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

Since the Government came into office, huge efforts have been made to solve the issue of the protection of Ireland's raised bog SACs within the framework of the EU habitats directive. These have included intense and ongoing engagement with turf cutting interests, farmers, non-governmental organisations and the European Commission.

Notwithstanding the complexity involved, progress in relocating turf cutters to non-designated bogs has been achieved in a number of cases. Potential relocation sites have been identified for each of the raised bog SACs where relocation may be required. When relocation sites have been assessed as suitable, my Department has been seeking expressions of interest from turf cutters with a view to them moving to these sites.

The report entitled Review of the Raised Bog Natural Heritage Area Network, published in January 2014, provides detail on future arrangements regarding turf cutting on each of the 75 current raised bog natural heritage areas. The review has concluded that Ireland could more effectively achieve conservation of threatened raised bog habitat through focused protection and restoration of a reconfigured network. This will entail the phasing out of turf-cutting on 36 natural heritage areas by 1 January 2017, including parts of seven sites, and the de-designation of 46 natural heritage areas, including parts of seven sites. The review was undertaken in the context of a commitment in the programme for Government and ensuring compliance with EU law relating to turf extraction within raised bog SACs and natural heritage areas.

The compensation scheme for cessation of turf cutting has been extended to landowners and turbary right holders affected by the curtailment of turf cutting in raised bog natural heritage areas. A total of 216 applications have been received from applicants from these sites. Eleven applicants have expressed an interest in relocating to a non-designated bog.

My Department, together with Bord na Móna, is identifying and assessing sites that may be suitable as relocation sites for turf cutters from these bogs. A number of natural heritage area sites which are scheduled for de-designation may be suitable. Officials from my Department are continuing to work with turf cutters on relocation options for the natural heritage areas on which turf cutting is being phased out.

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