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

I am sure the Deputy will accept that major progress has been made on this issue in the past three years. Ireland signed up to the habitats directive in 1992 and it was transposed into Irish law in 1997. A total of 53 SAC bogs were accepted by the Government and they were designated by 2004. After this, there was a type of moratorium in protecting these bogs and on my appointment as Minister I was faced with a legal case in Europe. The next step would have been taken in the European Court of Justice. There was no other option available and there could be no more procrastination, delaying or bluffing as the European Commission had run out of patience.

We have made extraordinary progress in the past three years. I thank the people who are compliant with the law, despite being pressurised in many cases not to be so. They have accepted compensation. Relocation is proving to be challenging, but where there is co-operation, it is happening. I visited Clara bog and went to the relocation bog at Ballyhenry. Also, I compliment the leadership of former Deputy Paul Connaughton. Carrownagappul bog and Curraghlehanagh bog SACs have worked very well. A group of 23 turf cutters have been relocated and they are very happy with the bog to which they have been relocated. Despite the problems, this is working and we are making progress.

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