Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023
312. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is any legal proscription on cutting turf by persons with turbary rights for one's own use in the Tullaher Lough and Bog (SAC); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19023/23]
View answerThe cessation of turf cutting is generally required on raised bog Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) to ensure Ireland meets its habitat conservation obligations.
The Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme was established in 2011 for domestic turf cutters affected by the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog SACs and was extended in 2014 to include domestic turf cutters affected from raised bog Natural Heritage Areas. It is comprised a payment of €1,500 per annum, index-linked, for 15 years, or relocation, where feasible, to a non-designated bog, together with a payment of €500 on the signing of a legal agreement under the scheme.
Tullaher Lough and Bog SAC (Site Code: 002343), Co. Clare is a Special Area of Conservation encompassed by the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme.
In 2014 the National Parks and Wildlife Service conducted a scientific review of Tullaher Lough and Bog SAC, and as reflected in the National Raised Bog SAC Management Plan, determined that turf cutting could continue in certain areas of this SAC without impacting the ecological integrity of the site but not be permitted in other parts of the SAC. The reason for this is that Tullaher Lough and Bog is quite unusual as a raised bog SAC and the particular hydrological context allows for limited turf extraction while not compromising the conservation of the habitats on this site. This is exceptional and is not the case with most other SACs.
A map showing the consent area and no cutting areas of the SAC is available and will be forwarded to the Deputy.
