Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 October 2014
168. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when a person (details supplied) will receive compensation under the turf cutting scheme; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39356/14]
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. 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.
I am advised that the applicant has indicated on his application form that he had not cut turf on the designated site in question during the five year period up to 31 December 2011.
My Department will be writing to the applicant shortly in relation to his position.
