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

Question 83: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has completed a financial assessment of the cost of banning turf cutting on all designated bogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37174/10]

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

Question 110: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has completed a financial assessment of the cost of banning turf cutting on all designated bogs under relevant legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37175/10]

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

Question 459: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the financial provision made for the payment of compensation under Chapter IV of Statutory Instrument 94/1997 following his announcement of 28 May 2010 on the EU habitats directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37741/10]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 83, 110 and 459 together.

In May 2010, the Government confirmed the end of the 10 year derogation allowing a continuation of turf-cutting on raised bogs designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs). The Government also established an Interim Compensation Scheme to compensate those who have been cutting turf on the 31 raised bogs sites designated in or before 1999. Some 233 valid applications were received for the €1,000 interim payment. To date, 105 of these have been paid and the remainder are being assessed to confirm whether the individuals qualify. The expenditure will not exceed €233,000 this year.

The bogs affected by the end of the derogation are limited to raised bogs designated for protection as SACs or NHAs. In area, these make up just over 4% of bogland in the State where turf-extraction is feasible. Blanket bogs, which are far bigger in area and occur in uplands and along the western seaboard, are not affected by these measures.

The Inter-Departmental Working Group that I established to examine the modalities of the cessation of turf cutting in designated raised bogs reported on financial implications of various options. Full details of this analysis were published in the Working Group's report of May 2010. I understand the Deputy has a copy of this report and analysis.

I am currently considering the long-term financial commitment required successfully to ensure the protection of all 130 designated raised bog sites and I intend to bring further proposals to Government in this regard.