Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 6: To ask the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he has resolved outstanding issues relating to turf cutting restrictions arising from special areas of conservation and or other conservation orders; the number, if any, of other cases outstanding; the issues of any still to be addressed; the locations so affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36618/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Further to Ireland's obligations under EU law to protect rare and threatened natural habitats, it is clear that further turf cutting and conservation of Ireland's 53 raised bog special areas of conservation, SACs, are incompatible. Earlier this year, the Government announced a compensation package for those affected by the cessation of turf cutting in these 53 raised bog SACs. The package offers qualifying turf cutters the option of a financial payment of €1,000 per year, index linked, for a period of 15 years or, where feasible, their relocation to a non-designated bog where they can continue to cut turf. To date, my Department has received in excess of 500 applications under this cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme.

In April, the independently chaired Peatlands Council was established, comprising representatives of turf cutting interest groups, environmental groups, Bord na Móna and my Department. The remit of the council allowed it to review the compensation arrangements and to make proposals to me. In this regard it was suggested in the council that the State should provide a delivery of turf to those who must stop turf cutting as an optional interim measure for those who wished to relocate to alternative sites. My Department has now tendered for such a service. The council is also exploring other approaches such as alternative ways of dealing with the long-term energy requirements of affected turf cutters.

In terms of relocation, agreement has been reached on the terms and conditions for relocation from the first of the 53 raised bog SACs to alternative undesignated bogs where the turf cutters involved will be cutting in 2012. This relocation can now be used as a template for other groups who wish to continue cutting on alternative bogs.

I will continue to work with the Peatlands Council and with all interested groups in seeking to resolve all the issues which arise from the cessation of cutting. In the longer term, I would hope that the proposed national peatlands strategy, which is now the subject of a public consultation process, will set out an agreed strategy of how we manage all our peatlands into the future. The list of SAC raised bogs affected by the cessation requirement is available on my Department's website at www.npws.ie.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Minister for that comprehensive reply. What proportion of the total number of people who are aggrieved by the measure is represented by the 500 applications for compensation or relocation? Along with the prospect of offering alternative turf cutting to those whose traditional turf cutting is to be interrupted, has consideration been given to offering alternative conservation areas, through the European institutions, to enable those involved in turf cutting in traditional areas to continue while meeting the conservation requirements?

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In the past, and in the 20 years since we gave this commitment, the measure suggested by the Deputy might have been discussed. However, at this stage the Commission is very clear about what it wants us to do. It wants us to close the 53 bogs. If we do not do that and if there is cutting on those bogs next February, the Commission will impose an injunction on us. The Commission has been quite clear in that regard. That requirement was repeated last Tuesday in the Petitions Commission by Commissioner Potocnik. That is the stark reality.

Meanwhile, the Government has put in place the National Peatlands Council. We also put in place a reasonable level of compensation of €1,000 per year, index-linked, for 15 years. If that arrangement does not suit people, the Peatlands Council has suggested that they be supplied with fuel and we have decided to provide people who can no longer cut turf with 10 tonnes of turf, whereas the average household's normal requirement is 7 tonnes. It is a generous provision. We are also looking for alternative bogs on a daily basis. A solution has been found in Deputy Kitt's constituency and it would be important if he could support it in every way possible alongside Deputy Connaughton.

A good solution was found in Clara bog in County Offaly, which is being turned into a tourist attraction with an interpretative centre. To counties like Kildare, Roscommon and Galway, it can act as an example of the tourism potential of raised closed bogs that are fully intact, especially given their appeal to Europeans. Our bogs resonate with the Dutch and Germans in particular, who have a genuine interest in Ireland's peatlands to the extent that they purchased some of them. Holland is trying to grow bogs at great expense. Ireland is being asked to conserve 2% of our boglands, representing just 1% of our original boglands. The EU believes it is a reasonable request, but people will be inconvenienced and I am trying to look after them as best I can.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am glad the Minister did not mention the Germans.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Or the Dutch.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We are over time on this question.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

What proportion of the total number displaced have been offered compensation or have grievances arising therefrom? To what extent has an examination been carried out of whether those who have been displaced regard the level of compensation or the principle of the matter as the most important factor? While it is important that we all concur with the notion of conservation, we must also have due regard to those who are directly affected.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Although the number has not been verified, I understand there are approximately 1,500 active turf cutters in the designated bogs. More than 500 people, nearly 33%, have applied for compensation.

Deputy Durkan asked whether it was down to inadequate compensation or the principle of not being allowed to cut turf on their own bogs that people had grievances. For some, including Deputy Charles Flanagan, it is the principle. However, those people and the generations to come will continue to own their bogs under this scheme and we will give them nearby bogs that they can cut. This is not unreasonable, particularly given that no one will take the bogs they own from them. People should review the principle of being unable to cut.

Since entering the EU, we have accepted the habitats directive and other directives to protect our environment and other parts of our landscape are protected. For example, one can no longer take sand or gravel from a shoreline. The bogs are an addition to those areas.

If Deputy Durkan can influence people in County Kildare, I am willing to meet them at any time. I have met people in counties Roscommon, Galway, Offaly and, of course, Kerry. I have not met anyone in County Kildare yet, but I will discuss the matter with people there at any time and explain to them what we are trying to do.