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IFA welcomes dedesigations at 18 Galway bogs but calls for plan for restricted landowners
Galway Bay fm newsroom – The Irish Farmers Association says the de-designation of 18 heritage boglands in Galway is a step in the right direction but has called for other NHA restrictions to be lifted.
The decision was announced today as part of the government’s overall long-term strategic plan for Ireland’s peatlands.
Under the plan, 18 Galway national heritage areas or NHAs are to be dedesignated, however an order has been made to completely cease turf cutting on seven others by 2017.
This will involve the immediate introduction of an individual permit system.
The sites where cutting must cease by 2017 include bogs in Aughrim, Ballygar, Bracklagh, Castle Ffrench East, Derrinlough, Moorfield/Farm Cottage and Raford River.
IFA SAC Project Chairman Tom Turley says the Minister must now reconsider the 36 NHAs nationwide where cutting has been restricted.
He says a clear implementation plan is needed to provide a comprehensive package for bogowners in restricted areas.