Seán Barrett
Ceist:21 Mr. S. Barrett asked the Minister for Finance whether he is satisfied with present policies regarding the preservation of peatlands of special environmental interest.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Preservation of Peatlands.
I am satisfied with the programme of preservation of peatlands of special environmental interest.
My objective is to conserve approximately 10,000 hectares of raised bog and 40,000 hectares of blanket bog. To this end I have allocated half a million pounds in 1990 for the purchase of peatlands.
The Wildlife Service of the Office of Public Works is engaged in a survey of both raised and blanket bogs. The survey on raised bogs is complete and details will be published shortly. The blanket bog survey is ongoing.
To date, 758 hectares of raised bog have been given protection under the Wildlife Act and a further 206 hectares were recently acquired.
Almost 20,000 hectares of blanket bog are owned by the Office of Public Works of which 8,145 have been given statutory protection under the Act.
All areas will be given statutory protection in due course.