Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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1157. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the position in relation to a person (details supplied) who formerly cut turf in a bog; if new arrangements will be put in place when the compensation scheme ends next year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18667/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme (CTCCS) was launched in 2011 as an annual payment scheme, from date of legal cessation for 15 years, for households affected by the restriction on turf cutting on raised bog Special Areas of Conservation. It was later extended to include raised bog Natural Heritage Areas. The Scheme is comprised of a payment of €1,500 per annum, index-linked, for 15 years, or accommodation, where feasible, on a non-designated bog, together with a once-off payment of €500 on signing a legal agreement with the Minister.

Alternative bogs for relocation of turf cutters from the protected bog where the individual referred to in the question previously cut were considered but they were not deemed feasible to progress. I understand that the individual concerned applied for the CTCCS and has been paid to date under the scheme.

Given the changing environment since the conception of the Scheme, my Department is considering, in light of emerging policies, a new phase of support for existing scheme applicants. Once my Department has fully considered this, it will inform those eligible applicants of the outcome.