Natural Heritage Areas.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 January 2010

Thursday, 21 January 2010

Ceisteanna (37, 38)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

32 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to manage turf cutting on designated bogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2335/10]

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

42 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans regarding the management of turf cutting on designated bogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2336/10]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 42 together.

The ten year derogation that allowed the continuation of turf-cutting on 32 Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation notified for designation in 1999 has now expired. In the coming weeks I expect to receive a report from the Working Group on the Cessation of Turf Cutting in Designated Areas including recommendations for managing the cessation. I will conclude my consideration of these recommendations as rapidly as possible.