Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 215: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the total number of applications received from householders for a grant payment in lieu of cutting turf on designated bogs; the number approved and rejected; the total provision and payment made for this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40800/10]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 216: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of active turf cutters on each of the 32 designated bogs which are due for closure for turf cutting in the next season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40801/10]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 217: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the total provision made in 2010 for the purchase of designated bog; the total paid to date; the provision for 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40802/10]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 218: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the provision made for the payment of compensation to turf cutters in 2011; when he intends to make an announcement on the proposed scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40803/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 215 to 218, inclusive, together.

My Department has received 278 applications for the Interim Compensation for Winter 2010/11 Scheme. So far, 53 of these applications have been deemed to be invalid and 141 have been approved for payment. Of these, the payment of the €1,000 has been completed on 115 applications. A further 84 are being assessed. In total, it is estimated that there are about 750 active cutters on the 32 Raised Bog SACs.

For this year, there is a provision of €4.35m for the compensation of landowners/holders of turbary rights within the designated raised bog areas. This provision covers both the Bog Purchase Scheme and the compensation of commercial turf cutters, but not the interim compensation scheme referred to above. So far this year, expenditure has reached approximately €0.65m. My Department is continuing to work on the details of longer-term compensation for turf cutters, and I will make recommendations to Government as soon as possible. The financial provisions for 2011 will be determined in the context of the annual estimates provisions.