Turf wars - Moves to ban turf cutting on protected bogs

Moves are afoot to ban turf cutting on at least five bogs in Co. Cavan that are designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs). The news comes as officials seized a turf machine on Slieve Rushen Bog in the Swanlinbar area last week as the 'Sausage' type machine is now outlawed under European legislation as posing a threat to protected habitats. In addition to Slieve Rushen, the bogs affected in Co. Cavan are Killyconny Bog (Cloghbally); Lough Cratty Bog and Levenakilla Bog in the Cuilcagh area; and a bog area separating Lough Kinale from Derragh Lough near Lough Sheelin in the Mountnugent area. These sites are all within either SAC or NHA territory. The Department of the Environment is this week advertising for submissions to the working group on cessation of turf cutting on certain raised bog SACs and NHAs. These affect some 130 of 1,500 raised bogs in Ireland and include those mentioned above. The Minister for the Environment, John Gormley, has established the working group to consider the financial, legal, administrative and other arrangements necessary to give effect to the ending of turf cutting on designated bogs. Raised bog is an endangered habitat throughout Europe and Ireland now has less than one per cent of its original area of raised bog remaining. Slieve Rushen row Tom McManus, speaking on radio yesterday, said that they employ a contractor to cut turf on Slieve Rushen mountain for customers on both sides of the Border. The contractor started cutting the turf just over a week ago on the mountain before a Wildlife Service official, assisted by local gardaí, came and impounded the machine on June 10. 'That now leaves us all high and dry without any fuel supply for next winter,' said Tom McManus. He added that it is his understanding that cutting is still permitted with 'Bin Hopper' type machines on the bog but not with the 'Sausage' machines. However, he insists that the Slieve Rushen bog is not suitable for that type of machine. 'We were not notified that this sausage type machine could not be used on this mountain. That was the first we heard of it,' he claimed. The Department, meanwhile, have said that the relevant person had been informed four years ago that the sausage machine was illegal. People in the West Cavan area who have been using the bog for years want to know what is the position in relation to turbary rights. Mr. McManus says that the people also want to clarify if a portion of the mountain has been sold and, if so, what Department was involved in authorising it. There are also issues surrounding grazing rights for a local farmer, telephone masts and renewable energy projects, which locals want clarified. 'Where will all this stand now when they are endeavouring to stop us cutting turf?' asked Mr. McManus. 'We only use five acres out of thousands and thousands of acres and that is only a very small patch on this mountain,' he added. He also revealed that as he looked out over the area in question he could see a machine coming in to cut turf on the northern side, yet 'we are banned from cutting it here in the South'. Locals have organised a meeting on the entire issue and this is scheduled to take place in the Crowe"s Nest in Ballyconnell on Thursday, July 2, at 9pm. All people interested in this issue from both sides of the Border are requested to attend. They hope to form an active committee on the night, which will be tasked with contacting the relevant Government Departments, to clearly ascertain 'where we stand on all these matters in relation to Slieve Rushen mountain'. Compensation scheme A compensation scheme is already in place for those who wish to sell their interest in bogs situated in an SAC or NHA to the Department of the Environment. Rates of between €1,000 to €3,500 per acre apply depending on the type of rights held by the landowner. An additional once off payment is also available to anyone who sells full title or turbary rights to the Department. This incentive started at €5,400 to December 2006 but reduces every year by €600. The rate is currently €3,600 to the end of December 2009. An annual payment of €600 (up to the year 2015) is also available to landowners on affected bogs who do not wish to sell but commit to cease cutting and allow drain blocking and other essential works. Submissions Meanwhile, the deadline for submissions to the working group on the cessation of turf cutting is July 17. Submissions can be made by email to designated.bogs@environ.ie or in writing to: The Secretary, Cessation of Turf Cutting Working Group, National Parks & Wildlife Service, 7 Ely Place, Dublin. The working group is due to report its recommendations to the Minister in October of this year.