Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The bogs are a great asset and we need to be positive about them. The point is that certain sensitive areas have to be looked at. We want to work in consultation with local communities. We want to get agreement. We want to work for the benefit of our peatlands. We want to work together. Anything the Deputy can do in this regard will be very welcome. Our peatlands are a huge resource, especially in terms of tourism. Last year, I visited Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre in County Longford, which houses the preserved remains of an Iron Age bog road that dates back to 148 BC. This hugely significant archaeological find has broadened our knowledge of early civilisation in Ireland. The visitor centre has become a wonderful tourism attraction in the midlands. We have to look at our bogs as an asset to our country. They need to be protected. I want to make it clear that we need to work in consultation with the landowners. I fully agree with that principle.

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