Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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On foot of commitments in the Programme for Government, a review was undertaken of all raised bog Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs). The Review scientifically assessed and evaluated the 75 raised bog NHAs, along with sites that are not currently designated for protection. The Review concluded that Ireland could more effectively achieve conservation of threatened raised bog habitat through focused protection and restoration of a reconfigured NHA network. This will entail the phasing out of turf-cutting on 36 existing NHAs by 1 January 2017. 46 NHAs are to be fully or partly de-designated and 25 currently undesignated raised bogs, which are in public ownership or where there is reduced turf cutting pressure, will be designated as NHAs.

Based on the information provided, the Deputy's Question refers to land within an NHA which is proposed for de-designation. The formal process of de-designation will require the amendment of existing legislation and work on this has commenced within my Department.