Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 549: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will undertake an independent investigation and analysis of the designated bogs in view of the conclusions being made about the effect of turf cutting for merely domestic use and the claims of its effect on these bogs. [31623/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Scientific reviews have already been carried out on designated raised bog sites. A number of reports commissioned by my Department clearly conclude that ongoing cutting on these sites, as well as the associated drainage, is causing significant loss of the European priority habitat, active raised bog. Under the EU Habitats Directive, Ireland is legally obliged to ensure the long-term preservation and protection of this priority habitat on these sites.