Vol. 537 No. 3
212 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if the regulations for turf cutting machines apply in all areas of conservation regardless of classification; the type of turf cutting machines that can be used; the regulations involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16169/01]
The Deputy will be aware that in early 1999 I announced a package of measures relating to the protection and preservation of bogs that have been proposed as candidate special areas of conservation. These initiatives do not apply to other areas of bog. Among the initiatives taken was the ban on the use of sausage machines because of the significant damage they cause. However, the use of hopper machines is still allowed, where people are still cutting turf for domestic use. 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.
I believe that these measures strike the correct balance between our conservation responsibilities under the EU Habitats Directive and the needs of local communities.
