Written answers

Thursday, 21 July 2011

Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs

Turbary Rights

7:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 403: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which an amicable solution can be reached with turf cutters affected by the special areas of conservation or other such conservation measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22433/11]

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Since entering office, I have endeavoured to ensure that such amicable solutions referred to by the Deputy can be arrived at for those who have suffered a loss through being prevented from continuing to cut turf in sites designated for the protection of raised bog habitat. In early April, I announced the establishment of an independently chaired Peatlands Council to respond to commitments set out in the Programme for Government and to assist Ireland to respond in a strategic way to the requirements of the Habitats Directive. The Council is chaired by Mr Conor Skehan and includes representatives of the IFA, the Irish Peatlands Conservation Council, the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association, Irish Rural Link, the Irish Environment Network, Bord na Móna and the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department. The Peatlands Council also provides a framework for stakeholder involvement in addressing the immediate issues regarding the protection of these sites and arrangements for compensation and relocation. The Council has met on several occasions and recently made significant progress in regard to agreeing a work programme to address the needs of turf-cutters, while recognising the necessity to stop turf-cutting on Ireland's raised bog SACs.

In April, I also announced a long-term compensation package for turf-cutters in sites where turf cutting is no longer possible. The scheme, which applies to turf-cutters on all raised bog SACs, will deliver payments of €1,000 per annum, index linked, for a maximum of 15 years. As an alternative to financial payments, and where feasible, qualifying turf-cutters will be facilitated in relocating to alternative, non-designated sites to continue cutting turf. Alternative forms of compensation are being actively explored by the Peatlands Council and I expect that these will be presented to me as solid proposals in the near future.

My officials are in direct discussion with a number of groups of turf-cutters on various bogs with a view to agreeing sites for re-location and the terms and conditions of such relocation. At the request of the Peatlands Council, including members representing turf-cutting interests, my officials are currently making themselves available at information clinics where interested parties can discuss their compensation and relocation options. Such clinics have been held in Roscommon, Offaly, Galway and Kildare. Further clinics will be arranged over the coming weeks. The Government remains committed to reaching a fair and equitable outcome for those who cannot now continue turf-cutting in these sites.

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