Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 147: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has sent back the files to the State solicitor's office on the sale of bog land; if contract of sale has been drawn up in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Leitrim; and when these contract will be finalised. [26915/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In relation to case NT/LM/1420/001, my Department executed the contracts of sale in October 2008 and has issued a deposit. The Chief State Solicitor's Office is in the process of arranging the closing of the sale and payment of the balance. In relation to case NT/LM/1420/009, draft contracts were received by my Department in August 2008. However, having regard to available budgetary resources, priority will be given under the scheme this year to those wishing to sell their interest in the 32 raised bog sites which were nominated for designation as Special Areas of Conservation in 1999. For these sites, the derogation given by the Government, which allowed the continuation of turf cutting for personal domestic use, expires in 2009.

With regard to land offered within Corracramph Bog, a Natural Heritage Area designated in 2004 in respect of which the 10 year derogation period will not expire until 2014, the completion of land transactions will not qualify for priority attention this year.