Statement from Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on Ireland’s referral to the European Court of Justice (ECJ)
From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Published on
Last updated on
Today (13 March), the European Commission decided to refer Ireland (INFR(2010)2161) to the Court of Justice of the European Union for an alleged failure to apply the Habitats Directive - Directive 92/43/EEC - to protect sites designated for raised bog and blanket bog habitats from turf cutting. The Habitats Directive requires Member States to ensure that their most precious species and habitat types are maintained, or restored, to a favourable conservation status within the EU.
Ireland has proactively engaged with the European Commission and stakeholders in relation to alleged breaches and stands ready to defend its position. The state has invested significantly since 2011 in the conservation and restoration of our peatlands. Additional progress has been achieved over the past two years in collaboration with stakeholders and turf cutters. This includes:
Initial scientific analysis shows an improvement in habitat quality on raised bog SACs and that the level of active turf cutting on the blanket bog SACs is lower than previously considered.
The department will carefully consider the details of the case once papers are received from the European Commission regarding its referral to the Court of Justice of the European Union. In the meantime, the department will continue to implement, prioritise, and advance measures to conserve our protected peatlands in consultation with stakeholders.