Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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746. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will ensure the protection of turf cutting for domestic use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53596/17]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The National Peatlands Strategy 2015 states clearly that the Government has no intention of ending the traditional practice of cutting turf for a person's own domestic use but is committed to ensuring that the law of the land is upheld in relation to nature protection. This is reaffirmed in the Programme for a Partnership Government (2016) which provides that the Government recognises that domestic turf cutters have a traditional right to cut turf. This right is balanced with the conservation objectives and legal obligations on the State.

The cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme, administered by my Department, was established in 2011 in relation to turf cutting on raised bog designated sites. A pilot scheme targeted at encouraging energy efficiency and low carbon heating solutions among those coming within the ambit of this scheme is being developed by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, working with my Department and Bord na Móna.

Applicants under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme from six special area of conservation bogs, will receive an offer of a tailored package of energy efficiency improvements with significant State supports. Irish Rural Link have been engaged to liaise with householders in the areas in question and public workshops on the pilot scheme will commence in January 2018.