Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 141: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the discussions with turf cutters at Ballinafagh Bog, County Kildare; if relocation of the special area of conservation will be affected to meet the of local traditional turf cutters while meeting conservation requirements in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31453/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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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, in a manner similar to relocation arrangements already concluded with groups from Clara Bog in County Offaly and Mountbellew in County Galway.

While awaiting relocation, qualifying turf cutters can avail of the payment of €1,500 or the delivery of 15 tonnes of cut turf, under my Department's Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme.