Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This Government has put in place more resources and made greater efforts to resolve the issue of protecting Ireland's SAC raised bogs than any previous government. It is a complex issue in some areas. Progress has undoubtedly been made. Some 3,091 applications have been received under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme for SAC raised bogs. Of these, 755 applications, or less than 25%, have indicated an interest in relocating to non-designated bogs. Forty-eight applicants have been accommodated on non-designated bogs, with a further seven scheduled so far to be accommodated next year.

My Department has written to approximately 300 turf cutters seeking expressions of interest in relocating to specific non-designated bogs. Of the 755 applicants interested in relocation around 355, or 47%, have been relocated, are scheduled to relocate next year or have been provided with the possibility to relocate to a suitable specific non-designated bog.

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