Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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488. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the cutting of turf (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2031/16]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Since this Government has come into office, huge efforts have been made to solve the issue of the protection of Ireland’s raised bog special areas of conservation within the framework of the EU Habitats Directive. This has included intense and on-going engagement with turf cutting interests, farmers, non-governmental organisations and with the European Commission. A long-term compensation scheme has been introduced to compensate turf cutters for their loss arising from the cessation. This cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme is comprised of a payment of €1,500 per annum, index-linked, for 15 years or relocation, where feasible, to a non-designated bog, together with a once-off incentive payment of €500.

The draft National Raised Bog SAC Management Plan was published in January 2014. It sets out how the raised bog special areas of conservation are to be managed into the future and how the needs of turf cutters are to be addressed. It is expected that this Plan will be finalised over the coming period.

Final resolution of all issues in relation to the protection of Ireland’s raised bog special areas of conservation will only be brought about by everyone working together, within the law, with my Department and with the Peatlands Council, which was established with the purpose of ensuring the input from all stakeholders.