Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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1936. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the details of the turf cutting compensation scheme; the way in which persons can apply to this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1602/18]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme was established in 2011 for active turf cutters arising from the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog special areas of conservation. This 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. In 2014, the scheme was extended to active turf cutters from 36 raised bog natural heritage areas.

The qualifying criteria for the scheme are that:

- The applicant must have had a legal interest (ownership or a turbary right (right to cut turf)) in one of these raised bog sites on 25 May 2010 and must have had the right to cut and remove turf from the property on that date;

- The applicant must have been cutting turf on the land in question during the relevant five year period (up to 25 May 2010 in respect of the 29 raised bog special areas of conservation nominated for designation between 1997 and 1999, up to 31 December 2011 in respect of the 24 raised bog special areas of conservation nominated for designation in 2002 and up to 14 January 2014 for the 36 raised bog natural heritage areas);

- The turf resource on the site has not been exhausted; and

- No turf cutting or associated activity is ongoing on the property.

An individual may apply under the scheme by completing an application form and returning it to my Department. Application forms for completion may be obtained by contacting the Site Protection Unit of my Department  in Newtown Road, Wexford Y35 AP90 (telephone Lo-Call 1890 253147 or (053) 9117310, email designated.bogs@chg.gov.ie.)