Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)

If the Minister had been going home before the new motorway was built, he would have passed by Pike of Rushall between Mountrath and Borris-in-Ossory. On each side there is a small bog, namely, Knockacollier bog, the larger of the two, and Coolrain bog, the smaller of the two. The problem is that they have been designated as special areas of conservation. Locals would be happy if the designation was lifted on either bog, even the smaller one, such that Coolrain bog would stay operational. The Minister stated he could lift the designation only if it were warranted by natural developments. The problem in south County Laois is that there are no options for relocation.

The three methods the Minister has set out to deal with this issue are compensation, relocation and redesignation. Compensation is a non-runner for turf cutters. Relocation is also a non-runner, not because people want to be inflexible but because there is no suitable alternative bog within a radius of 20 km or 25 km.

Designation has never been explained properly. When were the people from the European Commission over on Knockacollier bog, or, as it is known locally, Butterisland bog? Have they done tests on it, examined and re-examined it? What straitjacket are we in? Neither I nor the turf cutters have a problem working with the Department in seeking redesignation. We can find other bogs that could be designated as special areas of conservation. The problem is that in the small area in question both bogs have been designated. People would be happy to use the smaller one only.

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