Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 December 2013
297. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when a person (details supplied) may expect to receive payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53034/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme has been received by my Department from the individual referred to in the Deputy’s Question. I am advised that a payment of €1,500 in respect of Year 1 of 15 (2011) has been made to this applicant.
The qualifying criteria for the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme are that:
- The claimant must have a legal interest in one of the 53 raised bog special areas of conservation – ownership or turbary right;
- The claimant must have been the owner or entitled to exercise turbary rights on the land in question on 25 May 2010;
- The turbary on the site must not be exhausted;
- The claimant must have been cutting turf on the land in question during the relevant five year period; and
- No turf cutting or associated activity is ongoing on the property.
Officials from my Department are examining the application in view of the qualifying criteria for the scheme and will write to the applicant in relation to his position shortly.
