Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 October 2014
26. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide an update regarding her Department's efforts to find a viable relocation option for turf cutters at Coolrain bog. [40155/14]
View answerA total of 62 applications for compensation from Coolrain Bog 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, 11 applicants have expressed an interest in relocation to non-designated bogs. 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.
A number of potential relocation sites for Coolrain Bog have been identified and investigated. Bord na Móna is currently undertaking an assessment of one of these sites, on behalf of my Department, in order to determine its suitability as a site to which turf cutters from Coolrain Bog could relocate to.
