Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Question 295: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when he will issue payment to a person (details supplied) in County Longford for their turf cutting rights at Ardaghullion bog, Mostrim, County Longford, which was designated as a special area of conseveration, SAC, in 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6755/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The individual referred to in the Deputy's Question has applied to sell his interest in land under the Voluntary Bog Purchase Scheme administered by my Department. Processing of applications on hand under this scheme has been slower than anticipated, due to capacity constraints in undertaking the work involved.

In 2011, the Government announced a compensation scheme for those affected by the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog special areas of conservation. This Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme consists of a payment of €1,000 per year, index linked, over 15 years or, where feasible, relocation of turf cutters to non-designated bogs where they can continue to cut turf. Those wishing to relocate can avail of the financial payment or the delivery of cut turf while relocation sites are identified and prepared. The cost of acquiring and preparing relocation sites will be met by the State.

Where applicants under the Voluntary Bog Purchase Scheme have not received a letter of offer, or have received a letter of offer but contracts have not been signed, my Department will be writing to them to outline their options under the Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme.