Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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334. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the total number of applicants who have availed of the €1,500 annual payment under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme, by year, since the creation of the scheme; the total number of new successful applicants who have availed of the €1,500 annual payment under the scheme by year since its creation, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50429/26]

Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South-West, Fianna Fail)
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The Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme was established following engagement with stakeholders in 2011 for active domestic turf cutters arising from the restrictions on turf cutting on 53 raised bog Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and was extended in 2014 to include 36 raised bog natural heritage areas (NHA).

The scheme comprises a payment of €1,500 per annum, index-linked, for 15 years, or where feasible, accommodation, on a non-designated bog, with a once-off contribution to legal advice of €500 on signing a legal agreement with the Minister. Applicants who expressed a preference for a relocation site received either an annual payment or a yearly supply of home heating fuel while they awaited the investigation, preparation, and development of relocation sites.

Late qualifying applicants receive a single lump sum payment of €24,100 in lieu of 15-years of payments.

Number of applicants in receipt of a €1,500 annual payment under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme in each given year:

This scheme has compensated those impacted by restrictions on turf-cutting on protected sites, and over its 15-year term has helped to ensure the conservation of important peatland sites of unique ecological value.