Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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340. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a bog (details supplied) in County Westmeath is designated as either a natural heritage site or a special area of conservation; and if it will qualify for compensation. [19806/13]

Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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342. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht with regards to the 75 raised bogs which are designated National Heritage Areas, if he will assure the turf cutters that there will be no restrictions on cutting turf next year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19945/13]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 340 and 342 together.

In May 2010, the then Government decided that turf-cutting should come to an end on all raised bog NHAs, at the end of 2013. The Programme for Government undertook to review the situation with regard to NHAs and the future of turf-cutting on such sites is being considered as part of that review. The review is currently underway and I hope will be completed by the autumn.

I intend for this review to bring clarity in regard to the future of turf-cutting on each of these sites. Turf-cutting on NHAs is an issue that has been raised by the EU Commission in its infringement proceedings against Ireland.

The bog referred to by the Deputy is designated as Lough Garr Natural Heritage Area by Statutory Instrument (S.I. No. 605 of 2003) and includes the townlands of Cappagh, Corrydonnellan and Joanstown in County Westmeath. My Department's Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Schemeis available only in respect of raised bog Special Areas of Conservation.