EU backs conservation plan for raised bog areas

A national plan for raised bog areas of special conservation has received EU backing, according to ministers.

After talks in Brussels, Environment Minister Phil Hogan said a “real step forward” had been made in bringing “final resolution” to difficulties in protecting Ireland’s raised bog special conservation areas after talks with EU commissioner Janez Potocnik.

He pledged that the drafting of a national plan would allow “solutions” for turf-cutters in the 53 raised bog sites.