Jack Wall
Question:137. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding applications (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3488/13]
View answerThursday, 24 January 2013
Questions (137)
Written answers
The qualifying criteria for the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme, administered by my Department, are that:
- The claimant must have a legal interest in one of the 53 raised bog special areas of conservation – ownership or turbary right;
- The claimant must have been the owner or entitled to exercise turbary rights on the land in question on 25 May 2010;
- The turbary on the site must not be exhausted;
- The claimant must have been cutting turf on the land in question during the relevant five year period; and
- No turf cutting or associated activity is ongoing on the property.
Applications for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme have been received by my Department from both of the individuals referred to in the Deputy’s Question. I understand that they do not appear to have a legal interest in the site through ownership or a turbary right. My Department is considering the position of those who have applied for compensation but do not appear to fulfil the qualifying criteria of the scheme for a variety of reasons and will be writing to all such applicants in relation to their position in due course.