Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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595. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the reason Scragh Bog, County Westmeath has been closed to visitors given that the users of the amenity are deeply concerned, particularly in view of the current level 5 restrictions regarding travel above five kilometres. [15673/21]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department, in consultation with Coillte, closed Scragh Bog and Nature Reserve from 15th March. It will remain closed until further notice.

Scragh Bog is a Special Area of Conservation and Nature Reserve of international importance and the site has been closed for Health & Safety reasons. There have been repeated issues with overcrowding of the car-park and of cars parking on grass verges – causing damage and impacting access for emergency services and obstruction for concerned residential road users, including access to land for agriculture use.

Assessments into public and visitor behaviours need to be undertaken before considering re-opening of this site. The NPWS continues to monitor the situation.