Written answers

Thursday, 24 September 2015

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme Relocation Options

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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25. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of turf cutters that have been relocated since the commencement of the 2015 turf cutting season; the number that have received an offer of relocation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32131/15]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Relocation is a complex process, which involves investigating suitable sites for turf quality and quantity; assessing the infrastructure/drainage works required; establishing the number that can be accommodated on a site; assessing the cost and feasibility of land purchase or lease; and meeting possible planning and environmental impact assessment requirements.

Progress in relocating turf cutters to non-designated bogs has been achieved in a number of cases:

- Clara Bog special area of conservation in County Offaly, where 25 qualifying turf cutters have been accommodated on Killeranny Bog; and

- Carrownagappul Bog and Curraghlehanagh Bog special areas of conservation in County Galway, where 23 qualifying turf cutters have been accommodated on the Islands Bog and Killasolan Bog.

A further 7 qualifying turf cutters from Carrownagappul Bog and Curraghlehanagh Bog are being accommodated at Cloonabricka Bog in County Galway, where turf cutting is scheduled to commence next year.

When relocation sites have been assessed as suitable, my Department has been seeking expressions of interest from turf cutters with a view to them moving to these sites. My Department has written to over 330 turf cutters from 23 special area of conservation bogs seeking expressions of interest in relocation to specific sites and is moving forward with the relocation process where sufficient interest has been received in relation to such sites.

While the various stages in the relocation process are ongoing, qualifying turf cutters may avail of an annual payment of €1,500, index-linked, or delivery of 15 tonnes of cut turf per annum, under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme.

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