Natural Environment  

In 2009 the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr John Gormley, started to prepare for the phasing out of domestic turf cutting on designated raised bog Special Areas of Conservation and Natural Heritage Areas over the coming years, although only on raised bogs and not on blanket bog SAC's and NHAs.  Thus 'Turf cutting on over 95% of Irish peatlands, will be unaffected'.

Background:

A derogation, permitting a ten year continuation of cutting for domestic use, which was granted by the Government in 1999, expires this year on 32 raised bogs. The Minister said that only a small proportion, 4%, of peatlands in the State would be affected by this measure. There are over 1,500 raised bogs in the State and only 139 of these have been designated for nature protection. A government working group has been established to examine and report on issues involved in implementing the cessation and undertaking the restoration of these bogs.

An Taisce made a written submission to the Working Group, and sebsequently met with the group to outline our concerns and suggestions fro the working group to consider.  See here for the writtten submission. 

Background given by the Department of the Environment in relation to the cessation of Turf Cutting:

Ireland has large portion of EU’s remaining raised bogs 
The Minister said: “Raised bogs are hugely important and support exceptional but increasingly rare ecosystems. Because of this they are priority habitats under the EU Habitats Directive and Ireland is legally obliged to protect them. We have already exploited over 95% of the raised bogs that we once had. It is right for us to ensure protection of a small proportion of what remains. Although the Government has operated a voluntary purchase scheme for the past 10 years, and restrictions have been in place for cutting on designated raised bogs, these measures have been unsuccessful in protecting these bogs. The scientific advice is very clear. 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.” said Minister Gormley

“Last year, I published a review of the state of our habitats that revealed severe and continuing damage to protected raised bogs. Because of continued turf-cutting and associated drainage, we are losing the last remnants of this rare habitat at a rate of 2% to 4% per annum.”

“I am setting up the Working Group to consider and report back as a matter of urgency on questions such as the provision of compensation, where appropriate, and how to achieve effective preservation and restoration of these bogs. The Government is fully aware of the concerns of people using these bogs at present, and of those interested in their preservation. The Working Group will be asked to invite the views of interested parties and give them an opportunity to raise concerns they might have.”  Minister Gormley added.

Bogs Contribute to Carbon Reduction, Reduced Flooding and Water Quality 
The Minister added that intact bogland is a valuable long term resource as a carbon sink.    “Active or growing bogs take carbon from the atmosphere and store it. Restoring these bogs will be positive in terms of climate change mitigation”. Intact bogs also serve as reservoirs for water and help to mitigate against flooding.