Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim who sold bogland to him under the national heritage area directive many years ago; when payment will issue; the progress made on this case to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37828/11]

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.

On the 15 April this year, the Government made a number of decisions in relation to turf cutting in Ireland, including the putting in place of a compensation package for those who are required to cease cutting, the establishment of a Peatlands Council and the drawing up of a national strategy on peatland conservation and management. In the context of the national strategy, the position regarding raised bog Natural Heritage Areas, which are protected under national legislation, and the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive will be examined in advance of the 2014 cutting season.

The land referred to by the Deputy is located in a Natural Heritage Area designated in 2004, but the sale of the land in this has not yet been finalised. The 10-year derogation, which allows for the continuation of domestic turf cutting in this area, will not expire until 2014. The issue of purchase of land/rights in NHA bogs is being kept under review in light of the decision to review the approach to these areas more generally.