Gormley urged to reconsider ban on turf-cutting in bogs pending report
Rural Development Committee chairman John O’Donnell said the minister must reconsider his decision to ban turf-cutting on the 32 raised bogs until the Government has considered a report from an inter-departmental group established to examine the issue.
Mr O’Donnell said turf- cutting by farmers for their own use must be allowed to continue on all bogs.
“Any ban on turf-cutting will have serious financial implications in the context of the current income crisis in the farming sector.
“Turf-cutting is an integral traditional part of rural life and this practice must not be allowed to disappear,” he said.
Mr O’Donnell said turf- cutting for domestic use does not damage bogs and the minister must find a practical solution for people where bogs have been cut responsibly for generations.
Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan challenged Mr Gormley in the Dáil to extend turf-cutting rights.
“The restrictions affect 6,000 farmers and rural dwellers and has impacted seriously on the livelihood of families during the worst economic downturn for decades,” he said.
Mr Gormley said he shared the deputy’s wish to provide clarity to those affected by the ending of cutting on raised bogs designated for conservation.
“It is important to point out at the outset that we are talking about only 32 bogs. There are thousands of blanket bogs and other raised bogs out there but, specifically, we are talking about 32 bogs,” he said.
Mr Gormley said he had established the Inter- Departmental Group on Cessation of Turf-Cutting in Designated Areas to examine and make recommendations on the implications of achieving a cessation of cutting in conservation areas.
He expected to receive the recommendations and the group’s report shortly and will conclude his consideration of the matter as quickly as possible with a view to making proposals to Government.
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