Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 108: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the sale of bog land in a special area of conservation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [8968/11]

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. In general, priority under the scheme is being given to applications pertaining to those 32 raised bog Special Areas of Conservation where turf cutting has already ended. The site in question is not within a Special Area of Conservation and it is not prioritised for payment. 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 the availability of alternative compensation arrangements.

Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to fast track applicants and issue compensation without further delay to persons that sold bog land in special areas of conservation and so on to his Department many years ago and are still awaiting compensation; if he has a special budget for these outstanding compensation claims and if these applicants will be paid before another new compensation package is unveiled. [8969/11]

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.

The Government recently announced a number of decisions regarding the future management of peatlands in Ireland and, in particular, the protection of bogs designated as Special Areas of Conservation and Natural Heritage Areas. In addition to the establishment of an independent Peatlands Council, the Government has announced a compensation package for turf-cutters in sites where continued turf cutting is no longer possible for reasons of environmental protection. My Department will be writing to land owners and turf cutters in affected areas outlining details of the compensation scheme and how to apply. Provision has been made to meet the costs involved. My Department will also be writing to all remaining applicants under the voluntary purchase scheme in the coming weeks to outline their options in light of the availability of alternative compensation arrangements.