James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 434: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when a person (details supplied) in County Longford will be awarded compensation in respect of their bog under the cessation of turf-cutting compensation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22971/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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In May 2010, the voluntary bog purchase scheme was closed to new applicants. Processing of applications on hand has been slower than anticipated due to capacity constraints in undertaking the conveyance 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 all remaining applicants under the voluntary purchase scheme to outline their options in light of the availability of alternative compensation arrangements.