Some 3,000 applications for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme, applicable to raised bog special areas of conservation, have been received and acknowledged by my Department. Of these, 824 applicants have expressed an interest in relocation to non-designated bogs. As the Deputy will appreciate, relocation is a complex process, in terms of:
- investigating suitable sites for turf quality and quantity;
- the infrastructure/drainage works required;
- establishing the number that can be accommodated on the site;
- the cost and feasibility of land purchase or lease; and
- possible planning and Environmental Impact Assessment requirements.
Notwithstanding this complexity, progress in relocating turf cutters to non-designated bogs is being achieved in a number of cases and arrangements have been made to date as regards:
- Clara Bog special area of conservation in Co Offaly, where 25 qualifying turf cutters have been accommodated on Killeranny Bog; and
- Carrownagappul Bog and Curraghlehanagh Bog special areas of conservation in Co Galway, where 23 qualifying turf cutters have been accommodated on the Islands Bog and Killasolan Bog.
Togher Bog, Co Roscommon, was assessed as a suitable relocation site for a group of qualifying turf cutters from Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough special area of conservation. My Department envisaged that this group would have been able to commence cutting in the relocation site during the 2014 turf cutting season. However, no final agreement was reached with the group. Another potential site has been identified in this case and is being followed up.
Potential relocation sites have also been identified for qualifying turf cutters from Bellanagare Bog, Callow Bog, Cloonchambers Bog, Corbo Bog, Corliskea/Trien/Cloonfelliv Bog and Drumalough Bog special areas of conservation with a view to seeking expressions of interest for relocation to these sites.
No qualifying applicants under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme have expressed an interest in relocation from Derrinea Bog, Carrowbehy/Caher Bog or Tullaghanrock Bog special areas of conservation and it is considered that relocation is unlikely to be required for these sites.
A payment of €1,500, index-linked, or a supply of 15 tonnes of cut turf per annum, is available under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme to qualifying applicants while awaiting relocation to non-designated bogs.
