Is it true that the EU could ban turf cutting on Irish Bogs if the Lisbon Treaty is passed?

No it is not true.

The Lisbon Treaty will not affect Irish control over our bogs in any way.

Nothing in the Treaty restricts the Irish Government’s sovereignty, authority or stewardship of our bogs or of our natural heritage in general.

There is no question of Ireland being subjected to interference by Europe on arrangements for preserving this heritage. Our bogs are protected under the Habitats Directive which was negotiated with full participation by Ireland and freely adopted by us.

The small number of bogs designated for protection have all been selected by Ireland (not the EU) without any interference. They are given protection under our own legislation.

In Ireland, we are unique in having most of Western Europe’s raised bogs. A relatively small number have been selected by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and listed by Ireland – on purely scientific grounds - for designation as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).

The EU provides support to help preserve these prime natural heritage sites for future generations of people. They are known as “Natura 2000” sites of European interest. Natura 2000 sites receive EU substantial funding to help ensure their survival and we have obligations to protect them from destruction.