No sign of an end to turf cutting in designated bogs in Offaly

Offaly Independent. 03/03/09.

Turf-cutting on Ferbane, Mongan and Moyclare bogs in Offaly will continue this year, despite plans for a ten-year derogation on some designated bogs to expire this year.

Welcoming the announced by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government John Gormley, Cllr Sinead Dooley said: “The message to all bog owners in Offaly is clear: Cutting on all bogs during 2009 will be allowed to continue as before.”

The derogation expires 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.

Proposals  are to be drawn up for bogs affected. The Minister announced the establishment of a working group to examine and report on issues involved in implementing the cessation and undertaking the restoration of these bogs. This group is to report back to the Government by the autumn with proposals on methods of compensation, where appropriate, overall costs, possible sources of funding, and on the administration of the cessation of turf cutting and restoration of these bogs. The Working Group will be made up of officials from relevant Government Departments, Offices and Agencies and will be required to consult widely with relevant interests.

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