Written answers

Thursday, 8 July 2010

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Special Areas of Conservation

10:00 pm

Photo of Frank FeighanFrank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 548: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the failure to complete promised purchased agreements by his Department with individuals who have decided to sell their bogs who have to date not yet received the compensations due and promised; his further views on whether this part of the project should be reviewed or abandoned as a solution to the ongoing bogs issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31621/10]

Photo of John GormleyJohn Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Voluntary Bog Purchase Scheme operated by my Department has generated substantial interest since it was launched in 1999. In excess of 2,000 applications and/or expressions of interest have been received over the intervening years.

All offers to purchase by my Department are subject to contract. Delays have occurred as a result of the need for surveys, examination of title and the large number of applications dealt with. My Department has paid out in the region of €23 million since 1999 in completed purchases.

The future of the voluntary bog purchase scheme is currently under consideration along with a range of alternative and complementary measures to address the impact of the end of the ten-year derogation on turf-cutting within the limited number of bogs involved. No new applications are currently being invited. However, it is intended to process applications already on hand. Having regard to available budgetary resources, priority is now being given to those who have applied to sell their interest in the 32 raised bog sites which were nominated for designation as Special Areas of Conservation between 1997 and 1999. For these sites the derogation by the Government, which allowed the continuation of turf cutting for personal domestic use, has now expired.

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