Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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276. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide an update on an application for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting scheme in a special area of conservation (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [12489/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The individual referred to in the Deputy's Question claims to have inherited land within a raised bog special area of conservation from his father and has applied for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme.

I am advised that the father of the individual in question sold his interest in land in a raised bog special area of conservation under the voluntary bog purchase scheme, administered by my Department. An incentive payment of €6,000, available under the scheme, was also made to him at the time of purchase, on the condition that he permanently cease domestic turf cutting on sites included in special areas of conservation.

My Department will be in contact with the individual referred to in the Deputy's Question in relation to his application as soon as possible.

Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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277. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide an update on an application under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [12490/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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An application for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme has been received by my Department from one of the individuals referred to in the Deputy's Question. I am advised that payments of €1,500 in respect of Year 1 of 15 (2012), €1,518 in respect of Year 2 of 15 (2013) and €1,521 in respect of Year 3 of 15 (2014) have been made to this applicant. In addition, a once-off payment of €500 has been made to the applicant in respect of the signing of a legal agreement under this scheme.

Officials of my Department have been in contact with the other individual referred to in the Deputy's Question and a third family member in relation to additional applications for compensation in respect of the same bog plot. Correspondence has recently been received in relation to these applications and is being assessed within my Department. Departmental officials will be in contact with these applicants in relation to the matter shortly.