Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 106: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of bog on Carrowkeel, Castlebaldwin, County Sligo, on which persons were prevented from cutting turf some years ago and have had no compensation, in the absence of which they would wish to resume. [14442/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Part of the townland of Carrowkeel in County Sligo is within the Bricklieve Mountain and Keishcorran special area of conservation. The site encompasses an area of 1,696 hectares and is located west of Lough Arrow and about 6 km north-west of Boyle. The site is a large block of upper carboniferous limestone and contains some blanket bog.

The Bricklieve Mountain and Keishcorran special area of conservation is not one of those affected by the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog special areas of conservation for reasons of environmental protection under the EU Habitats Directive. However, anyone wishing to cut turf on this site should apply for consent to the local office of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department, which is situated in Ballinafad, County Sligo.

This is also a site of significant archaeological importance with monuments in the area which are recorded under the statutory Record of Monuments and Places and as such, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, I must be notified prior to any works being carried out at these monuments. There are also a number of monuments in this area, in my guardianship. My consent is required under the National Monuments Acts, prior to any works being carried out at these monuments. My Department has no record of any prior notification of works or of any application for Ministerial consent for this site.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 107: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the designation process for the 57 raised bogs on which turf cutting is prohibited has been completed; and the date of the passing of the statutory instrument that completed this process. [14503/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Ireland has nominated 53 sites for the protection of raised bog habitat for designation as Special Areas of Conservation. These sites have been adopted by the European Commission as Sites of Community Importance and are afforded the full protection of the Habitats Directive.

Following adoption of a Site of Community Importance by the Commission, member states must proceed to complete the formal designation process. In Ireland, this will be done by making a statutory instrument for each site. The process is due to commence in due course. The formal designation will not alter the legal protection afforded to these sites, which, under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations, applies from the time of notification of the Minister's intention to designate the site.