Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 255: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason an application for a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath lodged in September 2004 for permission to sell bogland in an NHA has not been processed; and if this application will be expedited. [21709/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In July 2004, my Department concluded an agreement with the farming pillar under Sustaining Progress that involved increased rates of compensation for the cessation of turfcutting in bogs that have been proposed as designated conservation areas. Since this agreement, there has been significant interest in the scheme and a very large volume of applications have been received. I have been advised that the application from the person referred to was received in my Department on 12 January 2005. The application is currently being processed and my Department will be in contact with the applicant shortly.