Turbary Rights.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 October 2004

Wednesday, 13 October 2004

Questions (180)

Paul Connaughton

Question:

181 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if consideration will be given to the payment of the current bog value to a person (details supplied) in County Galway, in regard to ten acres sold to the national parks and wildlife service at Clonmoylan bog in 2003; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the new valuations for such bog have been increased in recent times and that bog owners who sold before now are at a decided financial disadvantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24769/04]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

Under the cessation of turf cutting scheme, operated by my Department, all sales of bog and turbary rights are entered into voluntarily. Parties who entered into an agreement prior to the new rates being announced agreed to the compensation rates applicable at that time. However, for bogs designated prior to 2002 the new additional incentive payment recently announced will be applied retrospectively to those who have sold bogs or turbary rights and the IR£1,000, €1,270, incentive payment, where already paid, will be deducted.

I understand that the person referred to in the question qualifies for the additional incentive payment but has yet to complete the necessary contract documents.