Group to examine phasing out of turf cutting on designated bogs

A WORKING group set up by Environment Minister John Gormley is to examine issues relating to the phasing out of domestic turf cutting on designated raised bogs in special areas of conservation and natural heritage areas over the coming years.

Mr Gormley said the clear scientific advice is that continued turf cutting on protected raised bogs is incompatible with their preservation.

“Therefore the Government has no option but to bring about a complete cessation of turf cutting on these sites, as signalled in 1999,” he said.

However, the Irish Farmers Association has described the setting up of the working group as a charade and a cover up to impose restrictions on up to 6,000 farmers and rural dwellers.

IFA project team chairman Michael Silke said farmers must be allowed to cut turf on designated bogs for their own use.

He said no evidence had been produced that turf cutting for domestic purposes damages bogs. The practice is an integral part of the rural economy.

“A ban on turf cutting would seriously impact on the livelihood of farmers and rural dwellers in the context of the current dire economic environment,” he said.

However, Mr Gormley said turf cutting on over 95% of peatlands will be unaffected. In addition, cutting on blanket bog in special areas of conservation will be allowed to continue under the present restrictions.

Cutting on all bogs during 2009 will be allowed to proceed as before. A derogation permitting a 10 year continuation of cutting for domestic use expires this year on 32 raised bogs.

Mr Gormley said there are over 1,500 raised bogs in the state and only 139 of these have been designated for nature protection.

The working group will examine and report on issues involved in implementing the cessation and undertaking the restoration of these bogs. It is due to report back to the Government by the autumn.