Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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379. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when persons with turbary rights on a bog (details supplied) in County Laois will be granted rights at an alternative location; the number of persons who are still waiting for this matter to be resolved in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22167/13]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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55 applications for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme have been received and acknowledged by my Department in respect of the raised bog special area of conservation referred to in the Deputy’s Question. 10 of these applicants have expressed an interest in relocation to a non-designated bog. 40 payments and 5 deliveries of turf have been made in respect of the applications received.

Bord na Móna undertook a preliminary assessment of a potential relocation site for those applicants who have expressed an interest in relocation, on behalf of my Department. On the basis of this assessment, Bord na Móna undertook a stratigraphy assessment of this site in order to get a better indication of the quality and quantity of peat there. The stratigraphy report has recently been received by my Department. An official from the Department has been in contact with a turf cutter representative from the raised bog special area of conservation in order to arrange a meeting with a view to discussing the report and other relevant issues. A reply is awaited from this representative.