Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 488: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the numbers of bogs in Country Kildare affected by special areas of conservation's generated restrictions on turf cuttings: the numbers and the location of any such bogs on which turf cutting is restricted by other conservation's measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27501/12]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 490: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the efforts that have been made to facilitate the traditional turf cutters at Coolceragh Bog in County Kildare; if the area is affected by a special area conservation or other conservation measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27503/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 488 and 490 together.

There are 2 raised bog special areas of conservation (SACs) in Kildare protected under the EU Habitats Directive. There are also 2 Natural Heritage Area raised bogs in Kildare designated under national law in accordance with the provisions of the Wildlife Acts.

The Government has put in place 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 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 for qualifying turf cutters will be provided where legal agreements are signed with me, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

The Townlands of Coolearagh East and West in County Kildare are close to Ballynafagh Bog special area of conservation and to Hodgestown Bog natural heritage area (NHA).

Discussions have been ongoing with turf cutter representatives from Ballynafagh Bog special area of conservation. Progress has been made with a view to the relocation of qualifying turf cutters similar to relocation arrangements already concluded with groups from Clara Bog in County Offaly and Mountbellew in County Galway.

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. However, in accordance with the Programme for Government, t he situation regarding the 75 raised bog NHAs will be reviewed in conjunction with the Peatlands Council and decisions will be made in advance of the cutting season in 2014.

Details of raised bog special areas of conservation and natural heritage areas in County Kildare are set out in the table, including the number of applications received under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme, the number of applications acknowledged, the number of applicants expressing an interest in relocation out of the applications acknowledged, and the number of payments made.

TABLE