Written answers

Tuesday, 14 May 2013

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme Relocation Options

Photo of Nicky McFaddenNicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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381. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding turfcutting at Lough Sheelin bog; if alternative bog will be provided for those who wish to continue turf cutting; if his Department has been engaging with the Lough Sheelin Turf Cutters and Contractors Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22450/13]

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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88 applications for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme have been received and acknowledged by my Department in respect of Moneybeg and Clareisland Bogs raised bog special area of conservation (also known as Lough Sheelin Bog). 12 of these applicants have expressed an interest in relocation to a non-designated bog. 71 payments and 2 deliveries of turf have been made in respect of the applications received.

I am advised that Bord na Móna has undertaken preliminary assessments of five potential relocation sites for turf cutters from Moneybeg and Clareisland Bogs, on behalf of my Department. On the basis of this assessment of two of the sites, Bord na Móna is to undertake a stratigraphy assessment of these sites in order to get a better indication of the quality and quantity of peat there. The assessment of the other three sites indicates that they would not be suitable relocation sites.

My Department has written to those applicants, who qualify under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme on the basis of self-certification and who have expressed an interest in relocation, updating them on the situation.

Officials from my Department met with representatives from the Sheelin Turf Cutters and Contractors Association on 9 May 2012. Replies have also been made to a number of representations from the Association. My officials would be willing to meet with representatives of the Association again if they so wish.

A payment of €1,500, index-linked, or a supply of 15 tonnes of cut turf per annum is available under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme to qualifying applicants from Moneybeg and Clareisland Bogs while awaiting relocation to a non-designated bog. For those applicants opting for the delivery of turf while awaiting relocation, there is flexibility in the provision of additional turf to other family members who had been cutting on the same bog plot.

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