Turbary Rights.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 February 2005

Thursday, 24 February 2005

Questions (180)

Paul Connaughton

Question:

180 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway is not entitled to the full level of payment now being offered for bog land; if his attention is drawn to the fact that it was generally believed by bog owners at the time that they would sell on condition that if there was to be an increase in price they would be fully remunerated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6377/05]

Written answers

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

In July 2004 my Department concluded an agreement with the farming pillar under Sustaining Progress which involved increased rates of compensation for the cessation of turf-cutting in bogs that have been proposed as designated conservation areas. This agreement incorporates retrospective provisions benefiting landowners who participated in the original 1999 scheme for disposal of raised bogs and turbary rights to my Department.

My Department is examining the application referred to in the question with a view to determining it as soon as possible.