Reacting with disappointment to the decision by the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association (TCCA) to withdraw from talks to resolve the turf-cutting issue, Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, has said he is puzzled as to why TCCA members have completely reversed their position in relation to a process they and the Government formally agreed to in Dáil Éireann just a month earlier.

He said: "On 8th March last in the Dáil, Deputy Luke Flanagan put down on a motion which was supported by all sides of the House. Part of that motion referred 'to engaging actively with the European Commission to seek a resolution within the terms of the Habitats Directive, and to prepare and submit a National Raised Bog Restoration Plan to the Commission as a matter of urgency'.

"During the Dáil debate, Minister Deenihan also made it clear that such a plan will not be acceptable and will have no credibility if cutting continues this year on the affected bogs. The Minister appealed for patience and understanding as the plan is developed over the coming year.

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"The process of preparing a workable plan, the main thrust of the Quirke Report, has been substantially progressed, despite claims that the report has been rejected. The plan will work towards providing for some limited flexibility to cut on the more difficult bogs – again part of the agreement with the TCCA.

"On Tuesday, April 3rd, Ministers Deenihan and Hogan met with Environment Commissioner Potocnik in Brussels to discuss the turf-cutting issue. The Commissioner undertook to work closely with Government and interested parties – including the TCCA - in formulating a workable plan.

"In light of the progress being made, which I and many others have worked towards for some time, it’s very disappointing to see that in recent days the TCCA has issued a fresh and unexpected proposal seeking a continuation of turf-cutting over the next four years. It’s abundantly clear that this aspect of their proposal is clearly outside the terms of the Habitats Directive; a directive which the TCCA has said it recognises.

"What makes it even more disappointing is that ordinary turf-cutters on the ground, clearly understand the reality. This is evidenced by the large take-up of the generous compensation and relocation scheme offered by the Government, for which more than 1,500 applications have now been received. Of that figure, almost 300 payments have issued to date with a further 140 to issue within the next 10 days or so."

(CD/GK)