Menu
27/05/2011
Action To Be Taken On Illegal Turf-Cutting
The Government has been briefed on the implementation of restrictions on turf-cutting on 31 raised bog Special Areas of Conservation.
The restrictions were announced in May 2010 and confirmed by the new Government in April.
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan welcomed the fact that no turf-cutting had taken place on the majority of the bogs in question but noted that there had been cutting detected on a number of the sites.
Minister Deenihan stated that enforcement action would be taken where turf cutting has continued on these sites. Land-owners, turbary right owners and contractors have been informed of the restrictions applying to these sites through direct correspondence and public advertisement.
Minister Deenihan said: “The Government has put in place compensation arrangements and is working with turf-cutting representatives to identify alternative bog sites for those who wish to relocate.
He continued: “We have established the Peatlands Council where peoples’ legitimate concerns are being addressed. However, we cannot tolerate people breaking the law. Ireland has legal obligations to provide protection to these sites and this is what we must do.”
The Minister added: “Further damage to these sites risks Ireland being brought to task in the European Court of Justice and may result in substantial fines against us. This is something the country simply cannot afford. We must also demonstrate to the majority who have ceased cutting that their good citizenship will not be undermined by those who wish to break the law.”
Minister Deenihan has directed his officials to investigate illegal turf-cutting by contractors or individuals who may have breached the restrictions applying to these sites. Prosecutions will be pursued where appropriate. Sanctions available to the Government include prosecution under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, prosecution under the European Communities (Environmental Liability) Regulations 2008 and cross compliance reporting which may affect payments to farmers who are found to have cut turf illegally.
(BMcN)
The restrictions were announced in May 2010 and confirmed by the new Government in April.
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan welcomed the fact that no turf-cutting had taken place on the majority of the bogs in question but noted that there had been cutting detected on a number of the sites.
Minister Deenihan stated that enforcement action would be taken where turf cutting has continued on these sites. Land-owners, turbary right owners and contractors have been informed of the restrictions applying to these sites through direct correspondence and public advertisement.
Minister Deenihan said: “The Government has put in place compensation arrangements and is working with turf-cutting representatives to identify alternative bog sites for those who wish to relocate.
He continued: “We have established the Peatlands Council where peoples’ legitimate concerns are being addressed. However, we cannot tolerate people breaking the law. Ireland has legal obligations to provide protection to these sites and this is what we must do.”
The Minister added: “Further damage to these sites risks Ireland being brought to task in the European Court of Justice and may result in substantial fines against us. This is something the country simply cannot afford. We must also demonstrate to the majority who have ceased cutting that their good citizenship will not be undermined by those who wish to break the law.”
Minister Deenihan has directed his officials to investigate illegal turf-cutting by contractors or individuals who may have breached the restrictions applying to these sites. Prosecutions will be pursued where appropriate. Sanctions available to the Government include prosecution under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, prosecution under the European Communities (Environmental Liability) Regulations 2008 and cross compliance reporting which may affect payments to farmers who are found to have cut turf illegally.
(BMcN)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 November 2014
Sinn Féin Accused Of Holding Up House Building
Dublin City's Sinn Féin Councillors have been accused of "dithering" and putting home building at risk. Fianna Fáil Councillor David Costello criticised the party, which is the controlling group on the council, claiming that they have an "inability" to make decisions in relation to the housing crisis.
Sinn Féin Accused Of Holding Up House Building
Dublin City's Sinn Féin Councillors have been accused of "dithering" and putting home building at risk. Fianna Fáil Councillor David Costello criticised the party, which is the controlling group on the council, claiming that they have an "inability" to make decisions in relation to the housing crisis.
27 April 2010
Clare Receives Funding To Clean Up Tourist Sites
Clare T.D. and Minister for Defence, Tony Killeen has welcomed the Department of the Environment's allocation of €15,000 to Clare County Council. It is part of a newly launched scheme to support local authorities in keeping key tourist areas clear of litter during the summer.
Clare Receives Funding To Clean Up Tourist Sites
Clare T.D. and Minister for Defence, Tony Killeen has welcomed the Department of the Environment's allocation of €15,000 to Clare County Council. It is part of a newly launched scheme to support local authorities in keeping key tourist areas clear of litter during the summer.
10 February 2016
Global Greening Sites Announced Including Christ the Redeemer Statue
The Colosseum in Rome, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Paris and the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro are amongst a number of sites world-wide that will be lit up green to celebrate St Patrick's Day.
Global Greening Sites Announced Including Christ the Redeemer Statue
The Colosseum in Rome, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Paris and the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro are amongst a number of sites world-wide that will be lit up green to celebrate St Patrick's Day.
29 January 2016
Draft Framework Seeks To Identify On-Shore Renewable Energy Sites
A draft framework to identify potentially suitable land areas for the large-scale generation of onshore renewable electricity has been published by Minister for Energy, Alex White.
Draft Framework Seeks To Identify On-Shore Renewable Energy Sites
A draft framework to identify potentially suitable land areas for the large-scale generation of onshore renewable electricity has been published by Minister for Energy, Alex White.
30 October 2015
Concerns Raised Over Proposed Modular Sites
The proposed sites for the new modular units announced by the government have raised "real concerns" that must be addressed, Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis has said.
Concerns Raised Over Proposed Modular Sites
The proposed sites for the new modular units announced by the government have raised "real concerns" that must be addressed, Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis has said.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:There will be a mixture of bright intervals and a few showers. Best of the sunny spells will be near the North Coast. Feeling on the cool side. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
