Update: Turf Cutting 17th July 2014

DAIL QUESTION

NO. 147 & 148

To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the degree to which issues arising from traditional turf cutters displaced through SACs or NHAs in all areas throughout the country that have been so affected; if her attention has been drawn to the urgent need to achieve satisfactory conclusion in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

– Bernard J. Durkan.

* For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 16th July, 2014.

　

　

Ref No: 31937/14 Proof: 182

　

To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number and location of bogs in County Kildare affected by SACs or NHAs and consequently the subject of concern and discussion between his Department and traditional turf cutters and in respect of which full, final and satisfactory agreement has been reached in relation to contentious issues, her views that all outstanding issues have been satisfactorily addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

– Bernard J. Durkan.

* For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 16th July, 2014.

　

　

Ref No: 31938/14 Proof: 183

　

　

I propose to take Questions Numbers 147 and 148 together.

The draft National Peatlands Strategy, National Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation(SACs) Management Plan and the Review of the Raised Bog Natural Heritage Area Network were published earlier this year for consultation. These documents set out how it is proposed to address the needs of turf-cutters affected by the requirements to conserve some of our bogs for conservation purposes, in keeping with Irish and EU law, and are available to view on my website.

A total of 206 applications under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme have been received from turf-cutters from Ballynafagh Bog and Mouds Bog special areas of conservation in County Kildare. Of these, 85 applicants have expressed an interest in relocation to non-designated bogs. A total of 75 payments and 15 turf deliveries have been made in respect of the applications from Ballynafagh Bog and 177 payments and 106 turf deliveries have been made in respect of the applications from Mouds Bog. In addition, 9 and 20 once-off incentive payments of €500 have been made to applicants from Ballynafagh Bog and Mouds Bog respectively, following the signing of legal agreements under this scheme.

Progress has been made with a view to the relocation of 9 qualifying turf cutters from Ballynafagh Bog to Timahoe North, County Kildare, which is in the ownership of Bord na Móna. The site had been available for turf cutting during this season but it was not possible to reach agreement with turf cutters to move there this year.

Lattins Bog, also known as Mouds North Bog, in County Kildare, has been identified as a potential relocation site for turf cutters from Mouds Bog. Bord na Móna has undertaken a full suitability assessment for the site and my Department has provided a copy of the assessment report to the Secretary of the Kildare Turf Cutters Association. This report illustrates that 19 turf cutters could be accommodated on the site. Bord na Móna, in consultation with my Department, is investigating the potential for the accommodation of additional turf cutters on the site.

Carbury Bog natural heritage area in County Kildare is one of the natural heritage areas which is to be retained as an NHA. In the case of this bog, the review envisages the cessation of turf cutting on the site by end 2016 to preserve its conservation value. Turf cutting may continue on the bog until that date, on plots that have been cut in the five year period prior to the Government decision of 14 January 2014 on the natural heritage area review. Hodgestown Bog natural heritage area in County Kildare is one of those proposed for de-designation.