merrion street

Jimmy Deenihan, T.D., Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, today (16 February, 2012) welcomed proposals presented to Government by the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association (TCCA) outlining its vision of how the relocation of turf-cutters from raised bog Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) can be achieved.

“The TCCA has done considerable work in talking to turf cutters throughout the country and in assessing potential relocation sites.” Minister Deenihan said. “I believe that the TCCA proposals on relocation will be a valuable resource in finding acceptable solutions in a significant number of bogs. I have directed my officials to immediately examine these proposals with a view to ensuring that we can factor them into our ongoing efforts to put in place the best solutions for affected turf-cutters.”

Minister Deenihan  said that with the imminent start of the cutting season, the presentation of these proposals is timely. “We need to move urgently to reach agreement on how to proceed on relocation”,  Minister Deenihan stated. To this end, the Chairman of the Peatlands Council, Mr Conor Skehan, has been asked to convene a special Forum before the end of February, to give an opportunity to representatives of turf-cutters on each of the affected SAC bogs to discuss with officials the best solutions for their particular bog. An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny  has asked Mr Justice John Quirke, a Judge in the High Court, to act as an independent Chair of the Forum. Invitations will be sent to representative groups on each of the affected bogs in regard to arrangements for the Forum.

“We have seen in places like Clara bog in County Offaly and SACs near Mountbellew in County Galway that relocation can be achieved to the satisfaction of local turf-cutters. Combining the insights and detail of the TCCA proposals with the practical experience of these relocations will, I have no doubt, assist the Forum in showing that acceptable solutions can be found in the vast majority of cases.” Minister Deenihan said.

“I am also aware that there is a small number of bogs where relocation solutions are not so obvious. Clearly, we want to address the reasonable needs of turf-cutters from these sites also and I am hopeful that the Forum will be able to assist in clarifying the issues in this regard.”

“I am hopeful that the efforts being made by all parties can lead to a resolution of this difficult issue” the Minister concluded.