Special Areas of Conservation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 October 2020

Thursday, 8 October 2020

Ceisteanna (141)

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

141. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to recent turf cutting and removal of same in the Carlingford Mountain special area of conservation, just south of Clermont Cairn on Black Mountain (details supplied); the action he proposes to take to identify those involved; the measures he will put in place to prevent a recurrence of the matter; the restorative steps he proposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29374/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Carlingford Mountain Special Area of Conservation is a site selected for the protection of a range of habitats.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department received a report of unauthorised turf cutting at Black Mountain within the site. An inspection of the site was carried out by officers from the National Parks and Wildlife Service in August 2020. During the site inspection, it was noted that a low level of turf cutting had taken place within the site, the turf cutting did not appear to be part of any ongoing activity that was occurring on the site, excavated turf was left in place and did not appear to be in a suitable condition to be saved. The National Parks and Wildlife Service is investigating the ownership of the site and the viable options for restoration measures to be implemented.