Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Last April, I secured the agreement of the European Commission for the development of a national raised bog special area of conservation management plan, in keeping with the recommendations of Mr. Justice Quirke. My Department has now engaged a team of specialists who are undertaking the necessary scientific work to underpin the national plan and to inform the future restoration and management of each of the SACs. This work is being overseen by an independent steering group with input from the Peatlands Council. The detailed exploration of relocation sites is a key element in progressing the national plan.

In collaboration with the Peatlands Council and with the assistance of Bord na Móna, my Department is actively engaging with turf-cutting communities to consider how relocation can be progressed. The aim of my Department is to facilitate, as far as possible, those qualifying cutters who wish to continue to cut turf by putting in place relocation sites for as many cutters as possible in the shortest possible time. Given the complexities of the process it can take time to resolve all issues to finality even as new sites come on stream. The provision of financial payments or deliveries of turf is available to those awaiting relocation. My officials will continue to work with local groups on these issues within the principles of the relocation scheme.

Arrangements for the relocation of turf cutters to non-designated bogs have been made for groups from Clara bog in County Offaly and from Carrownagappul bog and Curraghlehanagh bog in County Galway. My Department also envisages that qualifying turf cutters from Ballynafagh bog will be able to commence cutting in the relocation site during this turf cutting season provided that final agreement is reached with relevant cutters.

Of the remaining 49 raised bog SACs, potential relocation sites have been identified for a further 32 bogs and work is ongoing on identifying and investigating sites. Relocation is unlikely to be required or is likely to be small scale for another 16 raised bog special areas of conservation.

I am determined that, in collaboration with the Peatlands Council and local turf-cutting communities, substantial progress will be made on the plan over the coming months.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

My Department has stepped up contact with turf-cutting groups to seek long-term solutions to the issues for their particular bogs, in compliance with EU and national law. I hope the plan can be completed by November, in time to submit an application to the European Commission under Article 6(4) of the habitats directive, if required, prior to the 2014 cutting season.

However, the engagement and agreement of turf-cutting communities to its proposed approaches will be essential to meeting this timeline, and to unlocking the potential flexibility it offers. The clear majority of domestic turf-cutters on these sites are engaging with my Department. The door is still open for the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association to engage in this process with me and with other stakeholders to address the needs of turf-cutters and other interested parties.

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