Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I am answering on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Roche. Carn Park and Crosswood Bog were designated as special areas of conservation in December 2002. SACs are the prime wildlife conservation areas in the country. They are important on both a European and national level, and must be protected for future generations. Both these bogs comprise raised bog, which is a rare habitat in the EU and is becoming increasingly scarce and under threat in Ireland. As Ireland has more than 60% of the total EU resource of raised bog, we have a special responsibility for its conservation at an international level.

Although these bogs have been designated as SACs, turf cutting for domestic use only will be permitted on less sensitive areas of the bogs until the end of 2008, subject to the condition that so-called "sausage machines" are not used.

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