The Government today announced a new turf-cutting mediation body and promised details of a compensation scheme in response to a European infringement action against Ireland for failing to protect raised bogs.
In a statement, the Government said an independent, non-statutory Peatlands Council would be created to respond to commitments set out in the Programme for Government and to assist Ireland in responding to the requirements of the EU Habitat's Directive, which require Ireland to protect and conserve important peatland habitats.
Conor Skehan, a lecturer at DIT's School of Spatial Planning and former director of Bord na Móna, has been appointed as chair of the council. Mr Skehan is to begin talks with affected parties "as quickly as possible", the statement said.
Other members are being invited from the Irish Farmers Association, the Irish Peatland Conservation Council, the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association, the Irish Rural Link, the Irish Environment Network, Bord na Móna and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The European Commission has criticised Ireland's approach to the protection of peatland habitat and began infringement proceedings against Ireland in January this year.
Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan has met EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potoènik twice to discuss the matter since taking office.
Mr Hogan briefed his Cabinet colleagues on Tuesday on how he intended to respond to the warning from the commission that it may take “accelerated” action against Ireland at the European Court of Justice. The action has been threatened if turf-cutting is not halted completely in 55 bogs by the end of this year. All are designated as a special areas of conservation (SAC).
The previous government decided turf cutting should end on 31 raised bog SACs from 2010 and on a further 24 raised bog SACs from the end of this year. In the light of that decision, and the requirements of the Habitat's Directive, the Peatland Council will have the task of advising the Government on drawing up a national strategy on peatlands conservation and management within 12 months, in consultation with bog owners and other stakeholders.
Details of the compensation measures for those affected by the requirement to halt cutting will be announced early next week.
"It is vitally important that the views of turf-cutters and land-owners are brought much more centrally into decision making on these matters" Mr Hogan said.