Vol. 561 No. 4
447 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if Dúchas has an analysis available to it of the hydrological impact on the conservation status of special areas of conservation of peat extraction being carried out or planned to be carried out on adjacent or nearby peatlands by Bord na Móna; and, if so, the information in this regard. [4621/03]
My Department is not aware of any actual or potential hydrological impact on SACs due to peat extraction by Bord na Móna on peatlands adjacent to them. Any new planned peat extraction operations by Bord na Móna are likely to be on a scale that would require planning permission. Any new operations would be required, if likely to have a significant effect on an SAC, to be subject to an appropriate environmental assessment before being granted permission, in accordance with the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997.
448 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if Dúchas has issued permits for peat extraction on special areas of conservation; and, if so, the locations involved. [4622/03]
449 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if Dúchas has issued permits for peat extraction in areas adjoining special areas of conservation; and, if so, the locations involved. [4623/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 448 and 449 together.
Peat extraction for domestic purposes in candidate special areas of conservation does not generally result in significant damage to the conservation value of the sites in the short-term. Arrangements announced in 1998 provided that domestic turf cutting in candidate SACs could be allowed to continue for up to ten years, save in exceptionally sensitive parts of the bogs, in order to give owners of turbary rights time to make new arrangements for alternative sources of supply. Similar arrangements are being considered for additional sites recently proposed for designation.
Most damage to candidate SACs from peat extraction is caused by commercial and industrial operations. In order to maintain the conservation value of these sites, such damaging operations have stopped or are being phased out over as short a period as possible. Commercial operators must consult my Department's heritage service. Turf cutting is only permitted to continue in the short-term in exceptional circumstances to protect employment. Each case is assessed on an individual basis. If it is found that cutting must cease in order to protect a candidate SAC compensation will be paid for proven actual loss.
Peat extraction in areas adjoining candidate SACs is not subject to direct control by my Department. It may require to be assessed in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 if liable to have an adverse effect on a candidate SAC.
