Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 389: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the conditions under which turf may be cut in 2009; if traditional type machines referred to as sausage machines are banned from all types of bog raised or low; the types of machinery that will be allowed; the conditions relating to same in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33653/08]

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

Turf cutting may continue as normal on the vast majority of bogs in 2009.

A small number of bogs are protected because they are nature conservation sites of European importance under the EU Habitats Directive and as such have been nominated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).

For 32 raised bog SACs, which were nominated for designation in 1999, turf cutting is due to come to an end at the close of the current season, following the expiry of a 10-year period of grace. This period was allowed to give turf cutters the opportunity to find alternative sources of fuel. A list of the bogs concerned accompanies this reply.

Since 1999, the use of "sausage" machines is not permitted in SACs or Natural Heritage Areas, either on blanket or raised bogs. "Hoppers", or other hand-held machines, used for cutting for purely domestic use, are permitted generally, but not, of course, where all cutting is prohibited. Cutting may continue as usual on undesignated bogs.