Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 7 September 2018
1435. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 410 and 411 of 21 July 2016, if the commitment given in the reply will be implemented (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35720/18]
View answerThe individuals referred to in the Deputy’s Question applied to sell their interest in land in a raised bog natural heritage area under the voluntary bog purchase scheme, administered by my Department.
The 2014 Review of Raised Bog Natural Heritage Area Network concluded that Ireland could more effectively achieve conservation of threatened raised bog habitat through focused protection and restoration of a reconfigured network. Arising from this review, 46 raised bog natural heritage areas (including parts of 7 sites) are scheduled for de-designation. The Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2016 provides for the de-designation of these sites.
The raised bog natural heritage area referred to in the Deputy’s Question is scheduled for de-designation. Domestic turf cutting may continue on this site, while large-scale or commercial turf cutting will continue to be regulated through other consent systems. Arising from the 2014 Review and the proposed de-designation of the natural heritage area in question, the individuals referred to in the Deputy's Question were advised that my Department would not be proceeding with the purchase of their interest in land in the site under the voluntary bog purchase scheme.
Under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, compensation is payable arising from a refusal of consent, by the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, in relation to proposed works, in a natural heritage area, that were carried out lawfully in the five-year period preceding the refusal of consent. I understand that the individuals referred to in the Deputy's Question do not fulfill this criteria and would not be eligible for compensation in accordance with the provisions of that Act.
