Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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354. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding a sale of bog and turbury rights in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33054/13]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The land referred to by the Deputy is located in a natural heritage area designated in 2004.

In 2010, the then Government decided that turf-cutting should come to an end on raised bog natural heritage areas at the end of 2013. However, the current Programme for Government contains an undertaking to review the situation with regard to turf cutting on natural heritage areas.

On 15 April 2011, the Government made a number of decisions in relation to turf cutting, including the putting in place of a compensation package for those who have been required to cease cutting, the establishment of a Peatlands Council and the drawing up of a national strategy on peatland conservation and management. In the context of the national strategy, the position regarding raised bog natural heritage areas, which are designated under national legislation, is being examined in advance of the 2014 cutting season in accordance with the Programme for Government.

My Department is giving priority to the compensation requirements in relation to the cessation of cutting on the 53 raised bog special areas of conservation. In the circumstances, and in light of the decision to review the approach to these areas more generally, the issue of any further purchase of land/rights in natural heritage area bogs, including the land referred to, is being kept under review.