Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 June 2016
154. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will permit turf cutters to cut turf on a bog (details supplied) following the redesignation of 46 natural and heritage areas in the first 100 days in Government, as per the programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16324/16]
View answerThe Review of Raised Bog Natural Heritage Area (NHA) Network, published in January 2014, has concluded that Ireland could more effectively achieve conservation of threatened raised bog habitat through focused protection and restoration of a reconfigured network. This will entail the phasing out of turf cutting on certain natural heritage areas by 1 January 2017 and the partial or complete de-designation of certain natural heritage areas.
The Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to publish new legislation to de-designate the natural heritage areas in question within the first 100 days of Government.
The site referred to in the Deputy’s Question is a raised bog special area of conservation. It is not a natural heritage area which is scheduled for de-designation. Therefore, the restrictions on turf cutting on raised bog special areas of conservation, including on the site referred to in the Deputy’s Question, will not be affected by the proposed de-designation of certain natural heritage areas.
