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Turbary Rights

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 May 2012

Thursday, 3 May 2012

Ceisteanna (191)

Pat Breen

Ceist:

194 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 145 of 16 February 2012, the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22464/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The individual referred to in the Deputy's question has applied to sell her interest in land in a raised bog special area of conservation under the voluntary bog purchase scheme, administered by my Department. A letter of offer for the purchase of the land had issued from my Department. However, no contracts for sale have been signed. I am advised that processing of applications on hand under this scheme has been slower than anticipated, due to capacity constraints in undertaking the work involved.

The Government agreed to a compensation scheme for those affected by the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog special areas of conservation. This cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme now comprises a payment of €1,500 per year, index linked, for 15 years or, where feasible, relocation of turf cutters to non-designated bogs where they can continue to cut turf. Those wishing to relocate can avail of the financial payment or the delivery of 15 tonnes of cut turf per annum while relocation sites are identified and prepared. The costs of acquiring and preparing relocation sites will be met by the State. An additional once-off payment of €500 will be provided where legal agreements are signed with me, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

Where applicants under the voluntary bog purchase scheme have not received a letter of offer or have received a letter of offer but contracts have not been signed, my Department has recently written to them to outline their options under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme as an alternative to proceeding with their applications under the voluntary bog purchase scheme.

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