Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)

In April, the Government announced a redress package for those affected by the cessation of turf cutting on these sites. The package offers qualifying turf cutters the option of a financial payment over 15 years or their relocation to non-designated bog, where they can continue to cut turf. Those wishing to relocate can avail of a financial payment or the delivery of cut turf while relocation sites are identified and prepared. The costs of acquiring and preparing relocation sites will be met by the State.

The Government is committed to achieving a solution to this issue that protects the interests of those who have relied on these bogs for their fuel needs. I have held discussions with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, in recent weeks to ensure that sufficient funds can be made available to meet the various schemes which we have put in place for the cessation of turf cutting on special area of conservation, SAC, raised bogs. I assure the Deputy that this Government will make available the funds necessary to meet our commitments in this regard.

These funds will come from central Exchequer sources and from my Department's share of the environment fund. Final allocations between the various schemes have not yet been made but I am satisfied that the total amount available to me will be sufficient to meet the demands over the coming years. Decisions relating to the allocations for the various schemes will depend on the expected demand for these schemes. My Department will give consideration to that matter over the coming weeks. More than 520 applications have now been received for compensation, through the financial payment over 15 years or through relocation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme.

The remit of the Peatlands Council includes an opportunity to review the compensation and relocation arrangements and to make recommendations to me. For example, the idea for the free delivery of turf arose at the council and was accepted by me as an interim measure while relocation arrangements were being put in place. My Department has 348 applications relating to SACs not yet finalised. The Department will write very shortly to these applicants to offer them the opportunity to transfer to the recently announced compensation scheme as an alternative to completing the sale of their land or turbary right. Those who decide to remain in the purchase scheme will have their applications dealt with in due course.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

Any decision to declassify an SAC is a matter for the European Commission in accordance with Article 9 of the Habitats Directive, where it is warranted by natural developments, such as those caused by landslides, erosion, climate change or other natural phenomena. As this does not arise with Ireland's raised bog SACs, it is difficult to see how a case for declassification could be made. With regard to the voluntary bog purchase scheme, around €26 million has been paid to date since its launch in 1999 and more than 1,000 individual transactions have been completed.

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