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 which have been sourced for turf cutters forced to relocate; the number of turf cutters that have been accommodated; the number that will be accommodated before the commencement of the 2013 turf cutting season; the number of persons that will not be accommodated by the commencement of the 2013 season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52861/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Out of the 2,510 applications received in my Department to date for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme, 747 applicants have expressed an interest in relocation.

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. My Department envisages that qualifying turf cutters from Carrownagappul Bog, Curraghlehanagh Bog and Ballynafagh Bog special areas of conservation will be able to commence turf cutting in the relocation sites in the 2013 turf cutting season.

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.

69 applicants for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme from Carrownagappul Bog special area of conservation, 19 applicants from Curraghlehanagh Bog special area of conservation, and 29 applicants from Ballynafagh Bog special area of conservation have expressed an interest in relocation to non-designated bogs.

I am advised that of the remaining 49 raised bog special areas of conservation, potential relocation sites have been identified for a further 30 bogs and work is ongoing on identifying and investigating potential relocation sites. Relocation is unlikely to be required or is likely to be small scale for another 15 raised bog special areas of conservation due, for example, to the small number of turf cutters that have been active on these sites.

The Deputy will appreciate that relocation is a very complex process, in terms of investigating suitable sites for turf quality and quantity, the infrastructure/drainage works required, establishing the number who can be accommodated on the site, the cost and feasibility of land purchase or lease, and possible planning and Environmental Impact Assessment requirements. Accordingly, it will only be possible to bring this process to a conclusion over time in respect of all the relocation sites.

It is not possible to indicate, therefore, when exactly additional turf cutters can be accommodated at any of these sites over and above the specific cases mentioned above.