Robert Troy
Question:103. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when specific turf cutting compensation scheme payments will be issued (details supplied). [29974/23]
View answerWednesday, 21 June 2023
Questions (103)
Written answers
The Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme was established in 2011 for active domestic turf cutters arising from the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog special areas of conservation and was extended in 2014 to include raised bog natural heritage areas. This scheme is applicable to turf cutters who have been affected by the designation of raised bogs as special areas of conservation and natural heritage areas and who fulfil the qualifying criteria of the scheme. It comprises a payment of €1,500 per annum, index-linked, for 15 years, or relocation, where feasible, to a non-designated bog, together with payment of €500 on the signing of a legal agreement under the scheme.
Annual payments under the scheme for qualifying applicants are generally made from the second quarter of each year in order to facilitate applicants in the provision of fuel for the following winter period. Annual payments for 2023 under the scheme continue to be made on a weekly basis. My Department expects these payments to applicants who fulfil the qualifying criteria of the scheme to be completed before the end of the third quarter of 2023.