Written answers

Tuesday, 14 July 2020

Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Environmental Investigations

Photo of Michael Healy-RaeMichael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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352. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of tests carried out in Moanveanlagh Bog in March 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15420/20]

Photo of Catherine MartinCatherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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As set out in the National Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation Management Plan 2017-2022, Moanveanlagh Bog Special Area of Conservation is one of the bogs identified for assessment as regards the potential for domestic turf cutting within parts of the site, in accordance with the provisions of article 6.3 of the EU Habitats Directive.

Scientific assessments in that regard were undertaken on the bog by contractors engaged by my Department in March 2019 and May 2019. These assessments concluded that, in a small area within the site, turf cutting there would not have an adverse impact on the (ecological) integrity of the special area of conservation site. Domestic turf cutting could take place there subject to consent being received from the relevant public authority and consultation with the landowner and turbary right holders, if any.

For a larger plot of land within the site, the findings of concentrated geophysical and hydrological investigations indicate that any turf cutting there would require monitoring for an estimated period of a year to assess the level of risk of peat failure (bog burst). In advance of any turf cutting taking place in this area, consent would also be required from the relevant public authority and consultation would have to take place with the landowner and turbary right holders, if any.

It has not been possible to undertake any further scientific investigations within the site due to site access issues. My Department is willing to try to bring a resolution to outstanding issues. If the Deputy feels that he would be able to assist, officials from my Department are available to discuss further.

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