Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 March 2015
1001. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will re-examine an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; the reason a payment of €1,500 in respect of year 1 of 15 was made to the person, and not the full payment; and if arrangements were made to meet the person to discuss the case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11143/15]
View answerAn application for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme has been received by my Department from the individual referred to in the Deputy's Question. I am advised that a payment of €1,500 in respect of Year 1 of 15 (2011) was made to this applicant.
The qualifying criteria for the Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme 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.
My Department is examining the application in view of the qualifying criteria for the scheme. I am advised that an inspection of the plot of bog in respect of which the applicant has applied for compensation has been undertaken and an official from my Department will be in contact with the applicant in relation to the matter shortly.
