Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I note the Deputy's comments. At all times we will try to treat people fairly and with just compensation. The scheme was established in 2011 for active turf cutters arising from the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog special areas of conservation and was extended in 2014 to include natural heritage areas. This scheme is applicable to turf cutters who have been affected by the designation of raised bogs as special areas of conservation, as well as natural heritage areas, and who fulfil the qualifying criteria of the scheme. It comprises a payment of €1,500 per annum, index-linked for 15 years, or relocation, where feasible, to a non-designated bog, together with a legal agreement payment of €500.

While these qualifying applicants are waiting for relocation sites to be investigated, they may, on an interim basis, opt for the annual payment of €1,500 or opt to receive an annual supply of up to 15 tonnes of cut turf delivered to their homes. Of the 2,569 applicants regularly receiving annual payments under the scheme, 263 have applied for relocation to a non-designated bog. There are other affected turf cutters who may qualify under the scheme but have not yet applied. It remains open for these turf cutters to apply and opt for relocation to a non-designated bog if they wish.

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