Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2023
228. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number and details of compensation or redress schemes put in place by his Department since 1998, in tabular form; the number of claims made; the total cost of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6465/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
|
Years of Operation |
Name |
Details |
No. of Successful Claims |
Total Cost of Successful Claims |
|
1999-2010 |
Voluntary Bog Purchase Scheme |
The Voluntary Bog Purchase Scheme (VBPS) was introduced in 1999 under which domestic turf cutters could sell their lands and/or rights in raised bog Special Areas of Conservation and Natural Heritage Areas to the Department at agreed rates. These rates were subsequently increased in 2004. The scheme was closed to new applicants in May 2010. |
1,165[1] (approx.) |
€30,550,000 |
|
2004 - to date |
Commercial Turf Cutting Compensation Claims |
Commercial Turf Cutting Compensation claims are calculated on the basis of proven actual losses incurred as a result of the cessation of industrial and commercial turf extraction on designated raised bog sites. A provision for compensation arises under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997, European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 and the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. Compensation is paid to those affected by this restriction on a case by case basis and there is no standard rate of payment of compensation in respect of these claims. |
14 |
€6,849,479 |
|
2010-2011 |
Cessation of Turf Cutting - Interim Compensation for Winter 2010/2011 |
In 2010 following the closure of the Voluntary Bog Purchase Scheme (VBPS) the State put in place interim compensation arrangements in order to evaluate any immediate hardship which occurred in that year due to restrictions on turf cutting on designated raised bog sites. |
177 |
€177,000 |
|
2011-2022 |
Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme |
The Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme (CTCCS) was established in 2011 for domestic turf cutters affected by the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog Special Areas of Conservation and was extended in 2014 to include domestic turf cutters affected from raised bog Natural Heritage Areas. It is comprised of a payment of €1,500 per annum, index-linked, for 15 years, or relocation, where feasible, to a non-designated bog, together with a once-off legal agreement payment of €500. |
2,837 |
€59,700,000 |
|
2021 - to date |
Protected raised bog restoration incentive scheme (PRBRIS) |
The Protected Raised Bog Restoration Incentive Scheme (PRBRIS) is a once off area based compensation and land purchase scheme. The scheme is open to applications from eligible property right holders who wish to have their lands included as part of the national raised bog restoration programme or where access is required for restoration works within raised bog SACs/NHAs. |
2 |
€10,947 |
