Written Answers Nos. 36-46
37. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of bog relocations that have been completed; the number where an alternative location has been sourced that will meet the demand for relocation; the number where alternatives have yet to be sourced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19166/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraArrangements for the relocation of turf cutters to non-designated bogs have been made as regards a group from Clara Bog special area of conservation in County Offaly and a group from Carrownagappul Bog and Curraghlehanagh Bog special areas of conservation in County Galway. The group from Clara Bog commenced turf cutting at the relocation site in Killeranny, County Offaly, in June last, where 23 qualifying turf cutters have now been accommodated.
Progress has been made with a view to the relocation of turf cutters from Ballynafagh Bog special area of conservation in County Kildare to Timahoe North, County Kildare, which is in the ownership of Bord na Móna. My Department envisages that qualifying turf cutters from Ballynafagh Bog will be able to commence cutting in the relocation site during this turf cutting season provided that final agreement is reached with relevant cutters.
I am advised that of the remaining 49 raised bog special areas of conservation, potential relocation sites have been identified for a further 32 bogs and work is ongoing on identifying and investigating sites. Relocation is unlikely to be required, or is likely to be small-scale, for another 16 raised bog special areas of conservation due, for example, to the small number that had been cutting turf on these sites during the relevant five year period and would qualify for the relocation option available under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme.
A payment of €1,500, index-linked, or a supply of 15 tonnes of cut turf per annum is available under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme to applicants while awaiting relocation to non-designated bogs.
40. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he is concerned and if he is being consulted on the possible implications in terms of our national heritage of the sale of public forests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19427/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, general responsibility for matters relating to publicly owned forestry rests with my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Marine and Food. As Minister with responsibility for heritage matters, I have an interest in relation to afforestation and impacts on, inter alia, archaeological remains, biodiversity and landscape issues. I make my views known on proposals in which I have an interest in the appropriate way as a member of the Government.
46. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an ndearna sé aon fhiosrú faoi na líomhaintí in aghaidh duine (sonraí tugtha) agus faoin éifeacht atá ag an scéal sin ar na coláistí Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [19246/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraDírím aird an Teachta ar an bhfreagra a thug mé inniu ar Cheist Tosaíochta Uimh 2.
Maidir leis an éifeacht a bheidh ag an scéal seo ar thinreamh na gcúrsaí i mbliana, tá mo Roinn ag plé le hiarratais ar aitheantas do na cúrsaí óna Coláistí Gaeilge faoi láthair agus ní léir go bhfuil aon laghdú ar na hiarratais sin ó bhliain ar bith eile. Ar ndóigh, ní bheidh figiúirí ar fáil ar an líon foghlaimeoirí a fhreastalóidh go dtí níos déanaí sa bhliain ach beidh mo Roinnse ar fáil le cuidiú leis na Coláistí nó le CONCOS ar aon bhealach gur féidir.
