Turf-cutting on designated Offaly bogs to continue

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 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. Tullamore Councillor Sinead Dooley said that Minister Gormley was setting up the Working Group to consider and report back as a matter of urgency on questions such as the provision of compensation, where appropriate, and how to achieve effective preservation and restoration of these bogs. 'While the Government is fully aware of the concerns of people using these bogs at present, and of those interested in their preservation, I would encourage all interested parties and individuals to take this opportunity to raise any concerns which they might have with the working group and I will be more than happy to present them on your behalf should you wish.' Please feel free to send your submission directly to Cllr. Sinead Dooley, Rahan Road, Tullamore as soon as possible.