Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 March 2014
15. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will list the bogs that he plans to close to turf cutting on foot of the publication of the review of raised bog natural heritage areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10560/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Review of Ireland’s Raised Bog Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs), which is available to download from my Department’s website at www.ahg.gov.ie, provides details on future arrangements regarding turf cutting on each of the 75 raised bog NHAs. Based on a comprehensive scientific assessment, the Review has proposed a reconfiguration of the network of raised bog NHAs, including the complete or partial de-designation of 46 existing NHAs and the designation of new sites to ensure that the conservation value of the network is enhanced.
In addition, 36 raised bog NHAs, or parts of raised bog NHAs, were found to have the best habitat and the fewest number of turf-cutters. These sites, which are listed in my Department's Review, will be conserved with turf-cutting being restricted to existing levels and phased out over three years. Turf-cutters on these sites will require consent from my Department before cutting this year.
My Department has written directly to over 3,600 landowners who may have an interest in these NHAs where consent will be required from this year. Site maps were enclosed with those letters, as well as advice on how to obtain an application form for the compensation scheme or consent to continue cutting. Last week, notices explaining future turf cutting arrangements on these sites were placed in local newspapers which circulate in the areas where these bogs are located.
25 new sites will be proposed for designation as raised bogs NHAs to replace the habitats lost through de-designation of the more heavily cut sites. Many of these are in public ownership or have relatively few or no turf cutters. Land-owners potentially affected by these new proposed designations will be contacted later this year and will be given an opportunity to appeal the inclusion of their lands within the NHA.
Any turf-cutter required to cease turf-cutting on an NHA is being offered compensatory measures similar to those available to turf-cutters from raised bog Special Areas of Conservation. Compensation will be made available immediately to active turf-cutters on affected sites.
Application forms for the compensation scheme or for permits to continue cutting over the next 3 years will be available on request from my Department.
