Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 November 2022
91. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when compensation will be paid to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58344/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for compensation under the Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme administered by my Department was received on 1st of February 2022 from the individual referred to in the question.
The qualification 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 the 53 Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation encompassed by the scheme on the 25th of May 2010 and must have had the right to cut and remove turf from that property on that date.
- The applicant must have been cutting turf on the land in question during the qualifying five year period up to 31st December 2011 and the turf resource has not been exhausted.
- No turf cutting or associated activity is ongoing on the property.
I am advised that my Department continues to check that all the qualifying criteria of the scheme have been met and that officials from my Department have made contact with the applicant with a view to further processing the application.
