Special Areas of Conservation.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004

Wednesday, 29 September 2004

Ceisteanna (1029)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

1207 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason landowners with bogs designated as SACs prior to 2002, who agreed the original compensation payment, are now entitled to less compensation than those who settled after their bogs were designated in 2002; if landowners who had their bogs designated prior to 2002 and did not agree to a compensation payment to date, are eligible for the current rates of compensation or the early settlement bonus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21656/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

Under the cessation of turf cutting scheme, operated by my Department, all sales of bogs and turbary rights are entered into voluntarily. All parties entering into an agreement prior to the new rates being announced agreed to the payments per acre applicable at that time. However, as an exceptional measure, covering a limited period of time, I have agreed that the new rates will be applied retrospectively by means of an additional ex gratia payment in respect of any earlier purchases of raised bogs included in the December 2002 designation proposals.

For bogs designated prior to 2002 the new additional incentive payment of up to €6,000 will be available retrospectively to those who have sold bogs-turbary to the Department. However, the IR£1,000, €1,270, incentive payment agreed in 1999, where already paid, will be deducted from the new additional payment.