Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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722. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress to date in establishing a national park in the north midlands cut away bogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36934/13]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, at the request of North Midlands Peatlands Park Committee (NMPPC), I facilitated a meeting with elected representatives and members of the NMPPC last autumn. At that meeting, I explained that in principle my Department would welcome any initiative to rehabilitate cutaway bog in a way that enhances its biodiversity and its attractiveness to visitors. I also explained that, as Bord na Móna has stewardship of the bogs in question, their management, present use for commercial peat production and future rehabilitation are, in the first instance, matters for that company.

I have written a letter of support for the project to Bord na Móna and my Department remains willing to engage with the company in relation to the matter if it is considered that such engagement would be helpful .