Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2026
246. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will issue an order to allow the cutting of turf at bogs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17082/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Directive on the Conservation of Habitats, Flora and Fauna (92/43/EEC), commonly known as “the Habitats Directive”, requires all Member States to select sites for the protection of habitats and species considered threatened in the EU territory. Annex I of the Habitats Directive lists active raised bog as a priority habitat in danger of disappearing within the EU.
Under the Habitats Directive Member States shall designate selected sites as Special Areas of Conservation and shall take appropriate steps to avoid the deterioration of natural habitats within.
The bogs referred to are Special Areas of Conservation and wetland ecosystems of high ecological value. The main threats to their conservation arise from any actions that remove the vegetation, drain water or cause them to dry out. In the case of Active Raised Bog average water levels need to be close to the surface for most of the year to survive. Turf cutting involves the direct removal of peat and the vegetation on top and associated drainage compromises the hydrological integrity of these protected bogs and lowering the water table. These changes to the bog structure not only result in the loss of the unique raised bog ecology but under certain conditions can influence the hydrology of the bog and its surrounding landscape.
Arising from this legal obligation on the State to ensure that these sites are adequately protected and due to the damaging effect of turf cutting and associated drainage on these protected bogs, as Minister I am legally prohibited from granting consent for activities which would have an adverse effect on the integrity of these sites.
