Turf cutters have cautioned that extensive consultation is needed, following the publication of new guidelines for the management of raised bogs in Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).
The plan, from the Department of Heritage, details how the bogs in question will be conserved, managed and restored over the next two decades.
The EU Habitats directive governs what activities are permitted in SACs.
For people who have cut turf on raised bogs in these areas for generations, this poses problems. In recent years, efforts to enforce the directive have caused controversy.
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Compensation schemes have been put in place to encourage landowners to cut elsewhere and relocation to other bogs has been offered in many instances.
Now, the Department has published a 260 page Management Plan that will run for the next six years.
It is aimed at striking a balance between the needs of turf cutters and the requirements of EU law.
An Taisce has welcomed the publication but says it is long overdue.
The Turf Cutters and Contractors Association says there has been movement on the issues it is concerned about in recent years. However, Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice said extensive negotiations were needed for all affected landowners, to ensure the proposals can be implemented to the benefit of all concerned.
The new plan will run until 2022, with revised plans scheduled over the following 12 years.
