Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 990: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the designation attached to a bog (details supplied) in County Mayo; the restrictions for activity in respect of turbary rights on this particular bog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14290/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Derryloughan East bog, Newport, Co. Mayo is within Special Area of Conservation (SAC) 2144, part of the Newport River designation. Cutting turf on designated SACs is strictly limited in order to protect this internationally important type of habitat. A derogation was agreed in 1999 for turf cutting, for domestic use only, on less sensitive areas of bogs designated as SACs for a period of up to ten years — that is, until the end of 2008. At the same time my Department introduced a scheme for compensation in relation to curtailment of turbary rights or purchase of these rights. The use of so-called 'sausage machines', cutting for commercial use or any other activity that could damage the integrity of listed areas is prohibited.