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

450. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding progress of the national raised bog management plan; and the date for the plans publication. [24042/13]

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

451. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the purpose of the peatland strategy plan which RPS have been commissioned to carry out; the role it will play in relation to the national raised bog management plan; and when the peatlands strategy plan is expected to be published. [24043/13]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 450 and 451 together.

In April 2012, I secured the agreement of Commissioner Potočnik to the development of a National Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation Management Plan. This was in keeping with the recommendations of Justice Quirke following the Peatlands Forum and with the motion agreed unanimously by Dáil Éireann on 7th March, 2012.

RPS consultants have been engaged to carry out the necessary scientific work to underpin the National Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation Management Plan and to inform the future restoration and management of each of the raised bog SACs. This work is being overseen by an independent steering group with input from the Peatlands Council. Draft proposals for each of the sites will be discussed with affected parties as part of this process.

I am determined that, in collaboration with the Peatlands Council and local turf-cutting communities, substantial progress will be made on the plan over the coming months. My Department has stepped up contact with turf-cutting groups to seek long-term solutions to the issues for their particular bogs, in compliance with EU and national law. I hope that with the constructive engagement of local turf-cutting communities, the draft Plan can be completed by November, in time to submit an application to the European Commission under Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive, if required, prior to the 2014 cutting season.

It should be noted that my Department, with oversight by the Peatlands Council, is also preparing a separate overall national Peatlands Strategy to guide the Government's approach to the management and conservation of all Ireland's peatlands.