Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 255: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to bogs in special area of conservation in County Roscommon; if farmers will be allowed to cut turf for domestic use on such bogs for the foreseeable future, particularly, in relation to Cloonkeen Bog in Castlerea, County Roscommon; if farmers will be compensated for their bogs when they are no longer able to cut turf; the rate in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22078/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Cutting turf on designated Special Areas of Conservation (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.

The area known as Cloonkeen Eighter is part of the Derrynagran Bog and Esker Natural Heritage Area (NHA 001255). Landowners on NHAs are also permitted to continue cutting turf for domestic use only for a derogation period of up to 10 years from 2004, that is to 2014 at the latest, as long as the cutting is not adversely affecting the conservation status of the bog.

A generous compensation package is available from my Department for anybody who agrees to end turf cutting on designated bogs. My Department will purchase freehold on designated raised bogs at €3,500 for the first acre or part thereof and €3,000 for each subsequent acre. Alternatively, the Department will purchase turbary rights on designated bogs at €2,975 for the first acre or part thereof and €2,550 for each subsequent acre.