Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2012
427. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a person (details supplied) in County Galway will receive compensation for the sale of turbary rights at Derrinlough Bog, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50124/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe land referred to by the Deputy is located in a natural heritage area designated in 2002.
In 2010, the then Government decided that turf-cutting should come to an end on raised bog natural heritage areas at the end of 2013. However, in accordance with the Programme for Government, the situation regarding the 75 raised bog natural heritage areas will be reviewed, in conjunction with the Peatlands Council, and the outcome of the review will be available in advance of the cutting season in 2014.
In April 2011, the present Government made a decision to put in place a compensation scheme for those who have been required to cease cutting on the 53 raised bog special areas of conservation and my Department is giving priority to implementing this scheme. In the circumstances, and in light of the decision to review the approach to natural heritage areas more generally, as referred to above, the issue of any further purchase of land or rights in natural heritage area bogs, including the land referred to in the Deputy's Question, is being kept under review.
