merrion street

Minister Jimmy Deenihan today spoke to MerrionStreet.ie about the Government's compensation package for turf cutters in 53 designated Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), who cannot continue to cut turf. The package delivers payments of €1,000 per annum for a maximum of 15 years. As an alternative to financial payments, and where feasible, qualifying turf cutters will be facilitated in relocating to alternative, non-designated sites to continue cutting turf. In addition, as an interim measure, and focused on those who wish to relocate to alternative bogs, the Minister is now making arrangements to supply an annual delivery of approximately 10 tonnes of cut turf until such time as the relocation sites are ready.

The Minister today invited tenders from suitably qualified providers for the supply of sod turf for domestic home heating. The Minister is seeking tenders from suppliers who can make an annual delivery of an amount equivalent to ten tonnes of turf. Deliveries are expected to be made to private houses principally in counties Cavan, Clare, East Galway, Roscommon, East Mayo, Sligo, Laois, Westmeath, Kerry, Kildare, Meath, Offaly, Tipperary, Longford, and Mayo.

You can see the Minister's comments to MerrionStreet.ie below...