Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 February 2010
160 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the percentage of landmass here designated as proposed National Heritage Area or Special Areas of Conservation; the percentage of the landmass in Connemara so designated; the percentage of the entire country designation that is currently in Connemara, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9689/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table shows the landmass of Special Areas of Conservation and Natural Heritage Areas in County Galway compared to national totals. The figures for Connemara are not available. It should be noted that in many cases the designations overlap, and accordingly, the overall percentage of the county's area that is subject to designation cannot be deduced by adding the percentage figures for each designation type.
|
Area in Ha. |
SAC Ha. |
% of County |
% of National SAC area |
NHA Ha. |
% of County |
% of National NHA Area |
|
|
Galway |
615,156 |
130,395 |
21.2 |
18.31% |
15,971 |
2.6 |
27.36 |
|
National |
6,987,985 |
711,971 |
58,378 |
161 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the compensation that is available to a person (details supplied) in County Galway under the Natural Heritage Area; if they are prohibited from cutting turf on this site; if there is compensation for the restrictions imposed as a result of the designation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9697/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraCompensation may be payable to users/owners of land who have been refused consent to continue an operation or activity. Landowners, and/or the holders of turbary rights, who are entitled to cut turf for domestic purposes may also apply to sell their rights to the State, at standard rates, under the voluntary purchase scheme for designated raised bogs. Holders of turbary rights who have been cutting turf for personal domestic use on the Natural Heritage Area (NHA) site in question are permitted to continue until the end of 2013. Commercial peat extraction has not been permitted on this site since its designation in 2004. As regards restrictions imposed as a result of designation, in 2009 I established an Inter-Departmental Working Group on the Cessation of Turf Cutting in Designated Raised Bogs. The Group is nearing completion of its deliberations and I expect to receive its report in the very near future. I will conclude my consideration of the report and any recommendations it contains as rapidly as possible, and will then be in touch with affected individuals and representative groups in regard to the position.
