Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 1463: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the designation of bogs (details supplied); if the owners of such bogs will be allowed to cut their own supply of turf by means of a hopper machine as per the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 47 of 9 July 2008; the status of the designated raised bog No. 1997 001242 at Carnagopple, County Galway; if turf can be cut by hopper machine on this bog in 2009; the status of the other 31 bogs countrywide which are subject to the ten-year derogation which expires in February 2009; if his attention has been drawn to the dramatic increase in oil prices over the past year; his views on whether it is unsustainable to ask people to cease cutting their own supply of turf at a time when oil prices are high; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 47 of 9 July 2008 indicates that such bog owners will be allowed cut their own supply of turf by means of a hopper machine; if all such bog owners will be allowed to cut their own supply of turf in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30338/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Protection of conservation sites of European importance is required under the EU Habitats Directive 1992, which was transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997, as well as 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 order to protect the designated bogs, the ending of all peat extraction was originally proposed under these regulations. 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 includes Carrownagappul Bog SAC (site code: 001242).

I am conscious of the recent increases in energy costs. However, the reason for the derogation was to allow domestic cutters a reasonable time to find an alternative source of fuel. Peat is a non-renewable resource as well as a valuable habitat which we are required to protect. The derogation expires at the end of this year. In the meantime, cutting for domestic purposes may continue — and the use of the "Hopper" is permitted — although the use of "sausage cutting" machines is not allowed. Large-scale peat extraction works may require planning permission, with an associated environmental impact assessment, under the planning code.

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