Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2017
650. Deputy Kevin Boxer Moran asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason for the delay in providing already approved compensation to a person (details supplied) and others in similar situations who have given a commitment to cease cutting of turf on sensitive sites; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13022/17]
View answerThe individual referred to in the Deputy’s Question applied to sell her interest in land in a raised bog natural heritage area under the voluntary bog purchase scheme, administered by my Department.
The 2014 Review of Raised Bog Natural Heritage Area Network concluded that Ireland could more effectively achieve conservation of threatened raised bog habitat through focused protection and restoration of a reconfigured network. Arising from this review, 46 raised bog natural heritage areas (including parts of 7 sites) are scheduled for de-designation. The Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2016 provides for the de-designation of these sites.
The raised bog natural heritage area referred to in the Deputy’s Question is scheduled for de-designation. Domestic turf cutting may continue on this site, while large scale or commercial turf cutting will continue to be regulated through other consent systems.
The position of applications under the voluntary bog purchase scheme, with plots in the sites scheduled for de-designation, is being considered within my Department.
