Written answers
Wednesday, 25 March 2015
Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme Applications
Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
207. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason a positive decision has not been made regarding the acquisition of property in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the date on which a decision will be made; the amount of ground to be acquired; the amount of compensation to be paid; his views on this project, taking into account the co-operation of this person over many years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12295/15]
Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
An application for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme has been received by my Department from the individual referred to in the Deputy's Question.
This cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme provides qualifying applicants with a payment of €1,500 per year, index linked, for 15 years or, where feasible, relocation to non-designated bogs, where they can continue to cut turf. Those wishing to relocate can avail of the financial payment or the delivery of 15 tonnes of cut turf per annum while relocation sites are identified, assessed and prepared. The costs of acquiring and preparing relocation sites will be met by the State. An additional once-off payment of €500 will be provided where legal agreements are signed with me, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. The provision of compensation under the scheme does not affect an applicant's title to his/her property.
The qualifying criteria for the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme are that:
- The claimant must have a legal interest in one of the 53 raised bog special areas of conservation – ownership or turbary right;
- The claimant must have been the owner or entitled to exercise turbary rights on the land in question on 25 May 2010;
- The turbary on the site must not be exhausted;
- The claimant must have been cutting turf on the land in question during the relevant five year period; and
- No turf cutting or associated activity is ongoing on the property.
I am advised that the applicant referred to by the Deputy had been unable to provide evidence of a legal interest in the site on which he claims to have been cutting turf and had been informed that an official of my Department had decided that the qualifying criteria of the scheme had not been met in his case. He has requested a Departmental review of this decision and submitted additional information in support of his application. An official from my Department will be in contact with the applicant in relation to the matter shortly.
No comments