John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

I welcome the opportunity to clarify a number of issues regarding the cessation of turf cutting on a relatively small number of designated bogs, which is due to come into effect at the end of this year. Of the 1,500-1,600 raised bogs, only 139 are designated and only 32 of these are subject to the derogation that lapses this year. While a similar ten-year derogation period will apply to the balance of the 139 designated bogs, turf cutting may continue as before on the vast majority of bogs. That message must be sent out loud and clear. The number of bogs affected by the ending of turf cutting in 2008 is, therefore, very limited.

The Deputy refers to the interpretations by previous Governments of the habitats directive in 1997 and 2000. Ireland is required to protect habitats of European importance under the habitats directive 1992. This directive was transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 and the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. Ireland has nominated certain raised and blanket bogs, which are priority natural habitats under the directive, as candidate SACs. In addition, Ireland has also designated other raised and blanket bogs as NHAs under the 2000 Wildlife Act.

Ireland's raised bogs are of European importance. Almost all of the active raised bogs in western Europe have disappeared or been severely damaged. Within Ireland too, most areas of bog have been severely damaged, mainly by turf cutting, but in more recent times by afforestation and overgrazing. Less than 1% of Ireland's original active raised bog — bog on which the indigenous flora are still growing and forming peat — remains. However, this tiny proportion represents 60% of western Europe's remaining raised bogs.

This bogland is a priority habitat under the EU habitats directive. Ireland is obliged under Articles 2 and 4 to protect and, where possible, restore it. When arrangements were announced for cessation of turf cutting in designated bogs in 1999, a ten-year grace period was granted to domestic turf cutters to allow them to find an alternative source of fuel. This ten-year period is now coming to an end on 32 designated raised bogs.

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