merrion street

Heritage Minister Jimmy Deenihan today welcomed the fact that the number of compensation payments made to turf cutters affected by the cessation of turf cutting on 53 raised bog special areas of conservation has now exceeded 1,000.

Under the compensation scheme, affected turf cutters will receive €1,500 per annum for 15 years. In addition, a once-off sign up bonus of €500 will also be paid this year on completion of a legal agreement between the turf cutter and the Minister. The total financial compensation package over the 15 years period amounts to €23,000.

With more than 1,000 applications for compensation now processed, the Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme has paid out more than €1.5 million to affected turf cutters this year.

Minister Deenihan said:

The majority of affected turf cutters have worked with us, and I want to pay tribute to those who are engaging with my Department to access either financial compensation or an alternative location where they can continue to cut turf legally.

As I have consistently said, by working together to implement the Irish and European law that protects the 53 special raised bogs we can arrive at a point where these unique habitats are preserved whilst ensuring that turf cutters have financial compensation, or turf, or an alternative location to cut. We are moving closer to that point.