Michael Ring
Ceist:529 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if turf cutting will be allowed in the future in a townland (details supplied) in County Mayo. [3844/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 7 February 2006
Ceisteanna (442)
Freagraí scríofa
The commonage referred to is situated in the Mweelrea/ Sheeffry/Erriff complex special area of conservation, SAC, and comprises blanket bog habitat. As it is within a SAC, consent must be sought from my Department to carry out certain activities, including cutting of turf. It is usually possible for consent to be given in blanket bog SACs for cutting of specified amounts of turf using means other than so-called sausage machines. Any requests or inquiries relating to the cutting of turf at this location should be made to my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service at Ballycroy National Park, County Mayo.