Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 323: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the interdepartmental group on cessation of turf-cutting in designated areas is due to report; if he will extend the derogation on turf cutting on the 32 designated bogs pending the report of that interdepartmental group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16547/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The scientific evidence available to me concludes that there is significant ongoing damage to protected habitats in these Special Areas of Conservation due to turf-cutting and associated drainage. The ten-year derogation granted in 1999 has now lapsed for these sites and an extension cannot be provided. I expect to receive the report of the Inter-departmental Working Group on Cessation of Cutting in Designated Raised Bogs very shortly. I will conclude my consideration of the report and any recommendations it contains as rapidly as possible, and will then be in touch with affected individuals and representative groups in regard to the position.