Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 191: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the type of turf-cutting that is allowed on blanket bogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37672/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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A small proportion of Ireland's peatlands is designated for conservation purposes under the Habitats Directive or the Wildlife Acts. Landowners and holders of turbary rights on blanket bogs within Special Areas of Conservation or Natural Heritage Areas can cut turf for their own domestic use. Since 1999, the use of sausage machines is not permitted in these areas. However, hoppers, or other hand-held machines, are permitted. There are fewer restrictions on undesignated blanket bogs. Large-scale peat extraction works may require planning permission, with an associated environmental impact assessment, under the planning code.