Turf cutting ban kicks in

BOG conservation measures have now come into effect with the banning of turf-cutting in 32 raised bogs, mainly in the midlands and north east regions. The Minister for Environment John Gormley confirmed the ending of a ten-year derogation from an EU ban on non-commercial turf-cutting in these Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). Thirty-two raised bogs, where flora and vegetation continue to grow, are immediately affected with a further 24 next year and 75 heritage areas in 2013. Killyconny Bog on the Cavan/Meath Border area is the only one effected in this area this time around and turf cutting can continue on other bogs as before. It is believed that Lough Cratty Bog and Levenakilla bog in the Cuilcagh area will be included in the announcement next year. The Moneybeg and Clareisland bogs situated on the south and south west shores of Lough Sheelin will see the cessation of turf cutting coming into effect at the end of 2012. The natural heritage area in Cavan that will be affected in 2013 is Slieve Rushen Bog in west Cavan. The bog area separating Lough Kinale from Derragh Lough near Lough Sheelin in the Mountnugent area will also be effected in that year. To date, compensation of over €40,000 has been paid to those who had turf cutting rights on Killyconny bog in Cavan. However, this scheme has now closed, although applications already received will be processed as normal. A once-off grant of €1,000 will be available to active turf cutters on the 32 bog sites on which cutting is no longer permitted. This is to enable them to obtain a supply of domestic fuel for the coming winter. The government is considering longer-term arrangements for those affected. The Minister said less than five per cent of the state's 1,500 bogs would be affected by the ban and that cutting on blanket bog SACs, mainly in the west, will continue. An estimated 750 people have cut turf in the 32 raised bogs. The department's figures indicate that some 2,500 people cut turf for domestic use. Independent Roscommon councillor Luke "Ming" Flanagan, spokesman for the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association, claimed, however that at least 6,000 people would be affected in the 32 raised bog areas. The state owns 92% of the 32 affected bog complexes. There are penalties under the Wildlife Act for damage to SACs but a department spokesman said "this is not about taking a hard line and the vast majority of users have not cut any turf this year". Mr. Gormley said "raised bogs have almost vanished" and the sites "are among the best examples of the tiny portion of what is left in Europe". He added that "the scientific advice to the government is clear that continued turf extraction and conservation of these sites are incompatible". An interim payment has been offered to people who have turf-cutting or turbary rights, to compensate them for the loss of turf this year. An estimated €5.4 million has been paid out this year. A final compensation package is expected to be concluded next year. Elements under consideration include cash payments, permission to cut turf in other bog land and refitting of houses to allow other fuels to be used.