I propose to take Questions Nos. 332 to 335, inclusive, together.
Arrangements for the relocation of turf cutters to non-designated bogs have been made as regards a group from Clara Bog special area of conservation in County Offaly and a group from Carrownagappul Bog and Curraghlehanagh Bog special areas of conservation in County Galway. The group from Clara Bog commenced turf cutting at the relocation site in Killeranny, County Offaly, in June last, where 23 qualifying turf cutters have now been accommodated.
Progress has been made with a view to the relocation of turf cutters from Ballynafagh Bog special area of conservation in County Kildare to Timahoe North, County Kildare, which is in the ownership of Bord na Móna. Officials from my Department as well as staff from Bord na Móna recently meet with a number of qualifying turf cutters from Ballynafagh Bog. A number of issues raised at the meeting are being followed up and my Department envisages that turf cutters from Ballynafagh Bog will be able to commence cutting in the relocation site during the forthcoming turf cutting season.
I am advised that of the remaining 49 raised bog special areas of conservation, potential relocation sites have been identified for a further 31 bogs and work is ongoing on identifying and investigating sites. It would be inappropriate to name the locations of these sites at this early stage. Relocation is unlikely to be required, or is likely to be small-scale, for another 16 raised bog special areas of conservation due, for example, to the small number that had been cutting turf on these sites during the relevant five year period and would qualify for the relocation option available under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme.
Lattins Bog in County Kildare has been identified as a potential relocation site for turf cutters from Mouds Bog special area of conservation in County Kildare. Bord na Móna has produced a preliminary suitability assessment report for the relocation site, which my Department has provided to the Secretary of the Committee of the Kildare Turf Cutters Association. My Department has asked Bord na Móna to undertake a stratigraphy survey at this site, which will provide an indication of the quality of peat there.
Since February last, my Department has been in contact with the Kildare Turf Cutters Association in order to arrange a meeting with representatives from the Association to discuss issues pertaining to Mouds Bog. However, to date, the Kildare Turf Cutters Association has not taken up this invitation.
A payment of €1,500 or a supply of 15 tonnes of cut turf per annum is available under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme to applicants while awaiting relocation to non-designated bogs.