James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 379: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will allow farmers and others to continue to harvest turf for their own use in local bogs in counties Longford and Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40458/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The cessation of turf cutting is due to come into effect at the end of this year on just three bogs in Cos. Westmeath and Longford. The cessation will only apply in the following candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSACs) in these counties: Lough Ree (Co. Westmeath and Co. Longford), Garriskill Bog (Co. Westmeath) and the Lough Forbes Complex (Co. Longford). Turf cutting for personal domestic purposes may continue as normal on all other bogs in these counties next year.

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 380: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to purchase a bog (details supplied). [40467/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Having regard to available budgetary resources, priority is being given under the bog purchase scheme this year to those wishing to sell their interest in the 32 raised bog sites which were nominated for designation as Special Areas of Conservation in 1999. For these sites, the derogation given by the Government, which allowed the continuation of turf cutting for personal domestic use, expires in 2009.

The land in question is within Moanveanlagh Bog, a Special Area of Conservation designated in 2002, and the 10 year derogation period will not expire until 2012. Land transactions within this area, accordingly, will not qualify for priority attention this year.