Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach for selecting this topic for debate. I welcome the Minister to the Chamber. People have raised concerns with me about possible changes to the designation of raised and blanket bogs, or the extension of designation under the habitats directive, which previously resulted in a debacle around turf cutters and their rights. It is not an issue which ran smoothly although ultimately it was resolved.

The designation of lands under the habitats directive involved the National Parks and Wildlife Service drawing up a map and a list of our best examples of natural heritage and presenting it to Europe. That happened at least 20 years ago and there was no real debate on the matter. It was in the realm of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, its scientists and so on. There was no engagement with the public and politicians did not grasp the nettle. I compare it with similar obligations placed on the Northern Ireland Executive which also had to ask people to stop cutting turf on their bogs. However, there was none of this carry on because from the outset, the executive had taken steps to address the issue. I ask that if there is anything coming down the line on this matter, the Minister would set it out here today. I am concerned that there should be proper public engagement while the scientists do their work. There are reasons why there is designation and benefits from it and there are ways in which we can mitigate the impact on humans. However, if there is no dialogue, the same thing will happen again regarding our bogs and the objections of turf cutters.

In a similar vein, under the habitats directive, most of the western seaboard is designated a special area of conservation or some other environmental designation. In County Mayo, 50% of our land is designated. I believe the chickens are coming home to roost; every time there is a twist or turn or an attempt to develop infrastructure or housing, we are met with the habitats directive. For example, phase 2 of the N26, from Ballina to Bohola, a much-needed primary road, was refused because it was overdesigned and because of Whooper swans. There is an ongoing situation around the replacement of a much-needed new bridge at Cloongullane outside Swinford which is also part of the N26. Once again, an issue has been raised under the habitats directive on account of the presence of alluvial woodland.

When we try to clean out streams and rivers we have issues with pearl mussels. The list goes on. I believe we have to make our peace with our environment because we require it to live, prosper and thrive, which is why we equally must tackle climate change, but there must be a balance between humans and our natural environment. The way things are drafted and the way in which the habitats directive operates, it seems that in a special area of conservation, humans can never win and the environment has priority. I believe there is a means by which this can be overcome and there can be a plan for co-existence, namely, management plans under the habitats directive. I understand that we do not have any in Ireland but it is how other member states operate their habitats. It is high time we did this. We cannot keep running into brick walls with An Bord Pleanála telling us that we cannot develop into the west, especially with Project Ireland 2040 and ambitious plans for the western seaboard which could come a cropper unless this very critical and overarching issue is addressed.