Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 150: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the options available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare under the voluntary bog purchase scheme and the new compensation schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10461/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The individual referred to in the Deputy's question has applied to sell his interest in land in a raised bog special area of conservation under the Voluntary Bog Purchase Scheme, which is administered by my Department. A letter of offer for the purchase of the land has issued from my Department. However, no contracts for sale have been signed. I am advised that 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 write to them to outline their options under the Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 151: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a list of the affected bogs that fall under the categories of special areas of conservation and national heritage areas in Longford-Westmeath. [10496/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The following table lists those bogs in Longford and Westmeath which are affected by the cessation of turf cutting. It should be noted that no further turf cutting can take place in the candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSACs) raised bogs. The position in respect of the Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) is under review. It should be noted that some sites listed in the table traverse the boundaries of counties other than Westmeath or Longford.

Question No. 152 answered with Question No. 148.