Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Eighteen years after the signing into law of the EU habitats directive and the restriction of turf cutting on special areas of conversation, SAC-designated bogs, a succession of Governments have failed to deliver on the relocation of turf cutters. Some 781 turf cutters have sought relocation. At the current rate of progress, it will take 276 years to complete the process. There has been an abject failure on the part of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NPWS, to deliver alternative turf banks for those who wish to continue cutting turf. Senior management within the Minister's Department should be relocated.

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