Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 628: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will commence the review of turf cutting on bogs designated prior to 2002 in line with an agreement with farmers representatives; if bogs designated from 2002 on, are eligible to cut turf until at least 2015; if there is a different restriction on turf cutting on bogs designated as NHAs and special areas of conservation and for such bogs prior to and post 2002; if he will extend the derogation on turf cutting to 2015 for bogs designated prior to 2002; the bogs and locations which fall into each category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14933/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Ireland is required to protect habitats of European importance under the Habitats Directive 1992, which was transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997, and the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000. In accordance with the Directive, Ireland has nominated certain raised and blanket bogs, which are priority natural habitats under the Directive, as candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSACs). In addition, Ireland has also designated other raised and blanket bogs as natural heritage areas (NHAs) under the 2000 Wildlife Act. All raised and blanket bog cSACs and NHAs are listed in the following tables.

Originally, all peat extraction was proposed to be ended on designated bogs. However, a derogation period of up to 10 years was allowed from 1999, in respect of domestic turf cutting from 32 raised bogs designated before 1999. This derogation expires at the end of 2008. A similar 10 year derogation period currently applies to any bog cSACs or Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) designated after 1999.

A recent review of the state of our bogs confirmed that continuing damage was occurring, with losses of the remaining raised bog at a rate of 2%-4% per annum. In the light of this scientific evidence, it would not be appropriate to extend the 10-year derogation for bogs designated prior to 2002.

My Department operates a generous compensation scheme for persons who agree to stop turf cutting in designated raised bogs. This covers both cSACs and Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs).