Written answers

Thursday, 11 October 2018

Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme Eligibility

Photo of Eugene MurphyEugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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223. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a person (details supplied) will be considered for the turf cutting compensation scheme; if they are eligible for other such schemes due to extenuating circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41579/18]

Photo of Josepha MadiganJosepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, 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 the individual referred to in the Deputy’s Question. With respect to 53 raised bog special areas of conservation sites, 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 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 and up to 31 December 2011 in respect of the 24 raised bog special areas of conservation nominated for designation in 2002);

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

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

My Department is examining the application in view of the qualifying criteria for the scheme. 

I am advised that an inspection of the plot of bog in respect of which the applicant has applied for compensation is scheduled to be undertaken.  My Department will be in a position to further process the application when this inspection has been completed.

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