Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 210: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding farmers who have signed contracts for sale of bogland in special areas of conservation and who have not to date, five years later, received payment; and in view of the fact that a new compensation scheme for bog owners in SAC areas has been introduced, when may those farmers expect to receive payment. [8473/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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In May 2010, the voluntary bog purchase scheme was closed to new applicants; however, there are a number of applications still on-hand. Completion of sales has been slower than anticipated due to capacity constraints in undertaking the conveyancing work involved. My Department will be writing to all remaining applicants under the voluntary purchase scheme in the coming weeks to outline their options in light of recent policy decisions regarding the availability of alternative compensation arrangements.