Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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116. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding bogs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4635/14]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Ireland is currently taking measures to address concerns raised by the European Commission in infringement action related to peat extraction on Irish bogs. These relate to requirements of the Habitats Directive and the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive. No fines have been imposed on Ireland in regard to this matter and the Government is working closely with the European Commission towards achieving a satisfactory resolution to this case.

In recent weeks I have announced a set of policy initiatives which will address this case and ensure Ireland’s compliance with EU law. The draft National Peatlands Strategy, the draft National Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) Management Plan, and the Review of Raised Bog Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) are available on my Department’s website and submissions are invited from members of the public before 18 April.