Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 77: To ask the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport when a transaction (details supplied) will be completed; the reason for the delay in same; if interest will be paid due to the delay in finalising this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12135/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The voluntary bog purchase scheme was closed to new applicants in May 2010. The processing of those applications on hand has been slower than anticipated due to capacity constraints in undertaking the conveyancing work involved. The voluntary bog purchase scheme does not provide for the payment of interest due to delays. The vendor will be contacted as progress is made in advancing the sale. 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 write 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.