Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Some 747 applicants have to date indicated an interest in relocation. Potential relocation solutions for 34 SAC bogs have been identified, with arrangements finalised for the first of these relocation bogs. It is expected that relocation will not be required for about 15 SACs, as there has been little or no turf cutting on these bogs for many years. If, following an in-depth examination, there are a small number of sites for which there are genuinely no alternatives in terms of relocation, the national plan may be able to provide some flexibility in this regard.

Having carried out much good work on the relocation issue, the Minister, Deputy Deenihan, once again urges the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association to engage with the process the Government has now put in place with the agreement of the European Commission. I know that on the Commissioner's recent visit to the country, Deputy McLellan had an opportunity to raise these matters directly with him.

See this speech in context