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

The report on the Peatlands Forum from Mr. Justice John Quirke recommended that a national plan be prepared to examine how Ireland's 53 raised bog special areas of conservation are to be protected. It was considered that, in the context of such a plan, it might be possible to bring some flexibility within the terms of the EU habitats directive that could allow limited cutting within a small number of sites. The Government accepted the recommendation of Mr. Justice Quirke at its meeting on 7 March. On 8 March Dáil Éireann unanimously supported a motion which called on the Government to "engage actively with the European Commission to seek a resolution within the terms of the Habitats Directive, and to prepare and submit a National Raised Bog Restoration Plan". On 3 April, together with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, I met EU Environment Commissioner Potocnik in Brussels, where we secured the support of the European Commission for developing a national raised bog SAC management plan. The Commission also agreed to assist and provide support for Ireland in preparing this plan, within the framework of the habitats directive. The Government agreed to maintain close and intensive engagement with the Commission on the preparation of the plan.

My Department will now accelerate the process of putting the plan in place, giving specific priority to identifying the issues around the most difficult bogs, with the intention that it be developed in the coming 12 months. The Plan will be wide-ranging, looking at the practical aspects of conserving and managing the affected bogs, and allow solutions for turf cutters to be explored in detail.

While the Plan is being prepared, no turf cutting can take place on the protected bogs. However, as the House is aware, a flexible package of compensation for turf cutters has been put in place. Those who want to cease cutting turf completely can apply for compensation of €1,500 per annum in the next 15 years. Eligible cutters are also entitled to a one-off payment of €500 for this year. This means the total compensation package is worth €23,000, index linked and tax free. For those who wish to continue cutting, my Department is working to relocate turf cutters to alternative bogs. The first of these relocation bogs will be ready this year, but, where they are not available, turf cutters can choose, in the interim, between the financial compensation or the delivery of 15 tonnes of turf annually. They will also be entitled to the one-off €500 payment. To date, more than 1,700 applications for compensation have been received by my Department.

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