In early 1999, following consultation with representatives of the farming organisations and turf cutters, I announced a package of measures relating to the protection and conservation of bogs that have been proposed as candidate special areas of conservation, under the EU Habitats Directive. These measures included a ban on the use of sausage machines in such areas. The latter was necessary because of the significant damage caused by these machines. I introduced a package of compensatory measures including, purchase of turbary rights from those cutting for their own use who were disposed to cease cutting immediately, provision for the cessation of cutting by domestic cutters to be phased in over a ten year period and compensation for commercial cutters who were required to stop cutting immediately. Persons whose turf was cut by sausage turf machine would be eligible for such compensation. These measures struck the correct balance between our conservation responsibilities under the EU Habitats Directive and the needs of local communities.
These measures were advertised in the national and local media and also through meetings at local level with my Dúchas officials. I enclose a copy of our press releases at that time in relation to turf cutting in blanket bogs. Restrictions on turf cutting, including the use of sausage machines were confined to areas included in SACs, and do not apply to other areas of blanket bog in County Mayo or elsewhere.
