An 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. This scheme does not involve the sale of land or turbary rights held by the applicant. I am advised that, on her application form, the applicant has indicated that she extracted turf from the bog plot on the applicable raised bog special area of conservation in 2011 and, consequently, she is not eligible for compensation in respect of that year. Payments of €1,500 in respect of Year 2 of 15 (2012), €1,518 in respect of Year 3 of 15 (2013) and €1,521 in respect of Year 4 of 15 (2014) have been made to this applicant under the scheme.
In addition, a once-off payment of €500 has been made to the applicant in respect of the signing of a legal agreement under this scheme.