Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 September 2012
264. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding an application for bog compensation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40199/12]
View answerThe Government has put in place a compensation scheme for those affected by the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog special areas of conservation. This cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme now comprises a payment of €1,500 per year, index linked, for 15 years or, where feasible, relocation of turf cutters to non-designated bogs where they can continue to cut turf. Those wishing to relocate can avail of the financial payment or the delivery of 15 tonnes of cut turf per annum while relocation sites are identified and prepared. The costs of acquiring and preparing relocation sites will be met by the State. An additional once-off payment of €500 for qualifying turf cutters will be provided where legal agreements are signed with me, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
There is also flexibility in terms of the provision of more than 15 tonnes of cut turf for those wishing to relocate where more than one household from the same family has sourced its turf from the bog plot. I am advised that this provision of the scheme applies as regards the individual referred to in the Deputy’s Question and my Department has recently approved the delivery of cut turf to the person in question. Arrangements will be made for the delivery as soon as possible.
