Review confirms bog damage

ACCORDING to Environment Minister John Gormley, a recent review confirmed continuing bog damage, with losses of the remaining raised bog at a rate of 2% to 4% per annum.

“In the light of this scientific evidence, it would not be appropriate to extend the 10-year derogation for bogs designated prior to 2002,” he recently told the Dáil.

“I have no current proposals either to designate any further bogs or to control the harvesting of peat on undesignated bogs,” he said.

However, turf cutting is due to cease on large areas between now and 2013.

In Munster, they include Co Cork’s bogs at Derryclogher (Knockboy), Maghera Mountain, Derreennatra, Trafrask, Conigar, Pulleen Harbour and Leahill.

Bogs in Co Clare at Tullaher Lough, Slieve Bernagh, Doon Lough, Ayle Lower, and Loughanilloon will be closed to turf-cutting in the coming years. Ten-year derogations will run out in Co Kerry at Cloonloum More and Anna More bogs, and on bog areas in Co Tipperary at Redwood, Bunnaruddee, Monaincha-Ballaghmore, Little Brosna Callows, Cangort, Arragh More, Ballymacegan, Killeen, Scohaboy, Lorrha, and Nore Valley.