Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)
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Question 267: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 532 of 28 March 2006 if a person wishing to cut turf for his or her own use on bogs not designated for conservation must communicate with any agency or Department by way of application for consent, licence or otherwise before so doing, or if such person can operate as heretofore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13703/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As stated in reply to Question No. 532 of 28 March 2006, peat extraction below ten hectares in area is exempted development except where it could have significant effects on the environment. The threshold has been set at a level that ensures that the vast majority of sub-threshold peat extractions will not have a significant effect on the environment.

If a person proposing to carry out peat extraction requires guidance as to whether the extraction in question would have significant effects on the environment he or she should consult the appropriate planning authority. If desired, a person may seek a declaration under section 5 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 from the planning authority on the question of whether a development is, or is not, exempted development. The declaration must be issued within four weeks and may be referred to An Bord Pleanála for review.