Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I stated, I assure the Senator that a strategic environmental assessment will be a requirement of any process of dedsignation, as will a public consultation and notification. She mentioned where that notification should be provided and she has tabled amendments in that respect. We we will debate that later and I agree with those sentiments. This process will take place. It will be based on what we have learned from the natural heritage bog review. We can take a great deal from that and replicate the processes that have led to the reviews that have taken place of raised bogs.For the natural heritage areas raised bog review, there were different criteria, including environmental, technical and socioeconomic. The most favourable ratings were given to those of the highest and best environmental standing, which makes common sense. Requests for or the acceptance of de-designation will be based on those that are degraded the most, with a view to ensuring we will preserve the overall status of the bog complex or even add to it. That will be the process in any review of blanket bogs.