John Whelan (Labour)

As one who comes from the heart of the bogs and who cut turf, as did my family, I am cognisant of the emotional attachment to land, turf cutting and turbary rights. A forum is concluding in Athlone today at which Mr. Conor Skehan with Judge John Quirke have tried to facilitate families. It is important to note that only 53 raised bogs out of 1,400 across the country are affected by the measure. The families in question are being offered substantial and fair compensation, alternative deliveries of turf, ten tonnes per annum to their homes for 15 years or alternative turf plots nearby. Most people would agree that is not an unreasonable proposition.