I propose to take Questions Nos. 399 to 401, inclusive, and 407 to 410, inclusive, together.
In 2011, I announced a compensation package for turf cutters affected by the cessation of turf cutting in certain designated raised bogs. The package consists of a payment of €1,000 per year, index linked, for 15 years, or their relocation to non-designated bogs to continue to cut turf. Qualifying applicants to the relocation scheme can avail of interim payments or the delivery of turf to their homes while suitable relocation sites are identified and prepared for cutting.
In April 2011 my Department wrote to known owners of land and rights in those SACs that were nominated for designation between 1997 and 1999 to inform them of the cessation of turf-cutting in these sites and to invite applications for compensation. It is estimated that there are 750 individual active turf plots on these SACs. To date, almost 650 applications for compensation or relocation have been received relating to these sites. Similarly, my Department has written to known owners of land and rights in the remaining 24 SACs nominated for designation in 2002. Applications relating to these sites should be returned by the end of February 2012. It is estimated that there are approximately 790 actively cut plots on these sites.
So far, some 51 applicants have been provided with an initial payment of compensation under the terms of the schemes. Assessment and verification of applications is a complex process, particularly in respect of proof of ownership. My officials are working closely with turf cutters, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (as successors of the Land Commission), Bord na Móna and other organisations to assist people to provide the necessary proof of legal interest with their applications. Clearly, there is a requirement to ensure that public moneys are correctly directed to those who are entitled to it but my Department is working to see how the checking process can be speeded up and simplified, so that people are paid as early as possible.
In respect of relocation, my Department is in discussion with several groups of turf-cutters from different bogs with a view to reaching satisfactory resolutions at a local level. Agreement has been concluded with groups from Clara Bog in County Offaly and from Carrownagappul and Curraghlehanagh SACs in County Galway. These solutions involved turf-cutters moving to nearby Bord na Móna bogs to continue turf-cutting. My Department is working closely with several other groups who have come forward to engage in the process and develop solutions. These discussions are at various stages of advancement but it is clear that engagement with such groups is delivering for turf-cutters on the ground. Bord na Móna and Coillte are providing invaluable assistance with this process.
To further assist in finding suitable alternative bogs, my Department has recently placed adverts in local and national papers inviting owners of privately held non-designated bog to express an interest in selling or leasing land to my Department for use as relocation sites. In Co Kildare, some 49 applications for compensation have been received so far. Of these, 7 have had their initial payment of compensation made. Discussions are ongoing between my officials and two groups of turf cutters in Kildare in respect of relocation and my understanding is that there is significant potential for relocation solutions to be found for these groups. In Co Roscommon, 97 applications for compensation have been received relating to Bellanagare Bog and 9 applicants have received payment to date.