Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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The Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme (CTCCS) was established in 2011 for domestic turf cutters affected by the cessation of turf cutting on designated raised bogs. It comprises a payment of €1,500 per annum, index-linked, for 15 years, or relocation, where feasible, to a non-designated bog.

The annual rate of payment was established following consultation with interest groups. The index-linked rate of compensation for 2024 is €1,839.

One of the primary objectives of the introduction of the Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme (CTCCS) is to compensate families for the lack of access to fuel for domestic home heating to households as a result of the cessation of turf cutting on designated raised bogs. As such, one compensation claim per individual household is permitted under the scheme regardless of the number of bog plots owned by the individual within any bog encompassed by the scheme.

Additional bog plots not covered by CTCCS may qualify for the Protected Raised Bog Restoration Incentive Scheme (PRBRIS). This is a once off area based compensation scheme open to applications from property right holders who wish to have their lands included as part of the restoration scheme or where access is required for restoration works within a designated raised bog.

More information on the scheme can be found on the National Parks and Wildlife Service website: www.npws.ie/peatlands-and-turf-cutting/protected-raised-bog-restoration-incentive-scheme-prbris.