Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take to support the establishment of a wilderness park in the north midlands cut away bogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22295/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I assume that the Question refers to the proposal from a local group to establish what it calls a 'North Midlands Peatlands Park' — formerly titled a 'National Wetlands Wilderness Park' — in the cutaway area of the Mount Dillon group of bogs in Longford and Roscommon, which is owned by Bord Na Móna plc.

It is estimated that some 80,000 hectares of cutaway Bord na Móna bog will become available by 2050. While I have no direct role in this, in principle I would very much welcome any arrangement between Bord na Móna and local groups to restore the natural and amenity value of harvested bogs as, for example, in the case of Lough Boora, County Offaly. In this regard, it would be essential for the local group proposing this initiative to secure the full support of Bord na Mona, as owners of the bogs concerned.

From enquiries made by my Department, I understand that the group concerned has yet formally to approach Bord na Móna for its support. Furthermore, I understand that the Mount Dillon group of bogs is contracted to supply Lough Ree Power for at least another fifteen years and that the bogs may have a commercial life beyond that time.