Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of alternative bogs that have been sourced for the relocation of turf cutters; the locations and number of turf cutters that can be accommodated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41941/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Arrangements for the relocation of turf cutters to non-designated bogs have been made as regards a group from Clara Bog in County Offaly and a group from Carrownagappul Bog and Curraghlehanagh Bog special areas of conservation in County Galway. These arrangements involve the groups moving to nearby bogs, with the group from Clara Bog having commenced turf cutting at the relocation site in Killeranny, County Offaly, in June last. Progress has also been made with a view to the relocation of qualifying turf cutters from Ballynafagh Bog special area of conservation in County Kildare in a similar manner.

24 qualifying turf cutters have been accommodated at the relocation site in Killeranny. It is envisaged that more will be accommodated at the site for the 2013 cutting season.

60 applicants for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme from Carrownagappul Bog special area of conservation, 18 applicants from Curraghlehanagh Bog special area of conservation, and 28 applicants from Ballynafagh Bog special area of conservation have expressed an interest in relocation to non-designated bogs.

Work is ongoing with regard to investigating and assessing potential relocation sites for turf cutters affected by the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog special areas of conservation. In this regard, the latest figures indicate that, of some 2,400 applications received in my Department to date for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme, some 700 applicants have expressed an interest in relocation.