Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 452: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question Number 287 of 8 November, 2011, when the person involved will receive their payment; the reason for the delay in making payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25607/12]

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

As the Deputy is aware, the individual referred to in the Question has applied to sell his interest in land in a raised bog special area of conservation under the voluntary bog purchase scheme, administered by my Department. As outlined in my reply to Question No 287 of 8 November last, a contract for the sale of the site in question had been forwarded by the Chief State Solicitor's Office and was under review by officials of my Department.

However, in the light of issues which have arisen more generally in relation to the voluntary bog purchase scheme, I decided that applicants could, if they wished, transfer instead to the compensation scheme established by my Department for those affected by the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog special areas of conservation. This would allow applicants to retain ownership of their land holding or rights while availing of compensation.

This cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme now comprises a payment of €1,500 per year, index linked, for 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 15 tonnes of cut turf per annum while relocation sites are identified and prepared. The costs of acquiring and preparing relocation sites will be met by the State. An additional once-off payment of €500 will be provided where legal agreements are signed with me, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

Accordingly, my Department has recently written to applicants under the voluntary bog purchase scheme – including the applicant referred to by the Deputy - to outline their options under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme as an alternative to proceeding with their applications under the purchase scheme. For the sake of clarity, I should state that this approach relates to applicants under the voluntary bog purchase scheme who have not received a letter of offer or have received a letter of offer but where contracts have not been signed.