Turf reprieve was inevitable, says IFA
Michael Silke of IFA said that the decision — to allow turf cutting on designated Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) bogs in 2009 — was inevitable, given the very strong reaction of bog owners to planned restrictions. He said the one year extension to a 10-year derogation is a step in the right direction.
However, IFA wants turf cutting for domestic purposes to continue indefinitely on designated bogs, maintaining it causes no damage to the 34,000 hectares involved, and that farmers who depend on turf for fuel must not be discriminated against.
MEP Marian Harkin has also called for a permanent decision in favour of traditional turf cutting.
According to Minister Gormley’s statement, domestic turf cutting on designated raised bog Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Natural Heritage Areas will be phased out over the coming years, but cutting on more than 95% of Irish peatlands would be unaffected.
Cutting on blanket bog Special Areas of Conservation will be allowed to continue — except for the use of “sausage” machines. The maximum total area for which it is proposed to end turf cutting now or in the future is 35,000 hectares or just over 4%, according to the statement.
On these peatlands, in 32 raised bogs, a 10-year derogation on cutting expires this year. The total area of privately owned raised bog habitat on the 32 bogs, on which it is proposed to end cutting by the end of 2009, is estimated to be 7,774 hectares.
The State has already acquired a third of the area of these bogs, according to the statement.
