Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2013
498. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when payment will issue from the turf cutters compensation scheme to persons (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27894/13]
View answerThe individuals referred to in the Deputy's Question previously sold their interest in land in a raised bog special area of conservation under the voluntary bog purchase scheme, administered by my Department. An incentive bonus of €6,000, available under the scheme, was also paid to the applicants at the time of purchase, on the condition that they were selling all plots of bog land in their possession and registered or unregistered turbary rights within a designated area. The individuals have applied for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme. From the application submitted to my Department, it appears that the applicants did not sell all plots in their possession within the designated site at that time. I am also advised that they have indicated on their application form that they had cut turf on a plot within the raised bog special area of conservation in 2012.
My Department is considering the position of those who have previously received compensation under the voluntary bog purchase scheme, including the incentive bonus, but have retained bog plots within raised bog special areas of conservation and will be writing to all such applicants in relation to their position in due course.
