Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
1650. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the inspection of a bog has been carried out in line with an application for the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16013/18]
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. With respect to 36 raised bog natural heritage area sites, the qualifying criteria for the scheme are that:
- The applicant must have had a legal interest (ownership or a turbary right (right to cut turf)) in one of these sites on 25 May 2010 and must have had the right to cut and remove turf from the property on that date;
- The applicant must have been cutting turf on the land in question during the relevant five year period up to 14 January 2014;
- The turf resource on the site has not been exhausted; and#
- No turf cutting or associated activity is ongoing on the property.
My Department is examining the application in view of the qualifying criteria for the scheme. I am advised that an inspection of the plot of bog in respect of which the applicant has applied for compensation has recently been undertaken. My Department will be in a position to further process the application when a report on this inspection, including any necessary follow up, has been completed.
