Turf cutting ban implemented at seven bogs in county Offaly

Offaly is one of the counties most affected by the new ban on turf cutting that was confirmed by Environment Minister John Gormley last week. Minister Gormley announced last Friday that the derogation granted in 1999 to allow a continuation of non-commercial turf-cutting has ended for 32 raised bog Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). Seven of the bogs in question are in Offaly. They are All Saints Bog & Esker, Clara Bog, Ferbane Bog, Mongan Bog, Moyclare Bog, Raheenmore Bog and Sharavogue Bog. The Department of the Environment stated that these raised bogs contain a rare and threatened natural habitat that is protected under national and European law It was stated that the new ban on turf cutting would be extended to a further 24 Special Areas of Conservation at the end of next year and for 75 Natural Heritage Areas at the end of 2013. The Minister said the Department of the Environment would provide interim funding to address the immediate needs of those who have been relying on the affected bogs to source their fuel. The scheme will offer an interim financial contribution towards the fuel costs of affected turf-cutters for next winter. Minister Gormley said his Department will be writing to affected parties in the 32 raised bog sites in the coming days, providing the details of the interim compensation scheme. The opposition parties criticised the new ban, with Labour leader Eamon Gilmore calling on the Minister to reverse the decision. However the Green Party Minister defended the ban, stating that the total number of affected sites makes up less than 5% of peatlands in the State where turf-cutting is feasible. Last week Minister Gormley also announced the closure of the Voluntary Bog Purchase Scheme to new applicants. He said any such applications that are currently with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government or Office of the Chief State Solicitors Office would be progressed.