John O'Mahony
Ceist:324. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the current list of bogs in County Sligo on which turf may be cut; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15978/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 8 April 2014
Ceisteanna (324)
Freagraí scríofa
The bog referred to in the Deputy's question is part of the River Moy Special Areas of Conservation (SAC). The draft National Raised Bog SAC Management Plan, available to view at www.npws.ie, sets out the situation in regard to turf cutting on this and other raised bog SACs. In short, turf cutting may not be undertaken on this bog without explicit consent. If sought, it is unlikely that consent could be given due to the likely damage it would cause to the protected habitat on the bog. Affected turf-cutters can avail of the compensation and relocation schemes that have been made available. If the Deputy wishes to enquire about specific bogs in County Sligo, I will be glad to make enquiries for him.