Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 298: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a person (details supplied) who was not informed that their bog was designated will be eligible to avail of the bog purchase scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12262/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The land referred to by the Deputy appears to be located in a Natural Heritage Area designated in 2004. In 2010, the then Government decided that turf cutting should come to an end on raised bog Natural Heritage Areas at the end of 2013 and also announced the closure of the Voluntary Bog Purchase Scheme, administered by my Department, to new applicants. However, the current Programme for Government contains an undertaking to review the situation with regard to turf cutting on Natural Heritage Areas.

On 15 April 2011, 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 designated under national legislation, will be examined in advance of the 2014 cutting season in accordance with the Programme for Government.