Landowners seek doubled offer to stop cutting turf on protected lands

Landowners are demanding double the compensation on offer for ceasing turf cutting on protected lands.

IFA SAC (special areas of conservation) project chairman Padraic Divilly has met with Minister for Heritage Jimmy Deenihan to press landowners’ claims for the annual payment of €1,000 to be doubled to €2,000.

The IFA also wants this offer to apply for the lifetime of the bog, with a minimum of 30 years and must not be restricted to the current 15-year deadline. The debate relates to 51 raised bogs in ecologically sensitive areas.

Landowners were also offered an annual delivery of 10 tonnes of turf to their homes. Mr Divilly said that, before any deal is offered, every option must be given to turf cutters. This would involve relocation for those who want to cut turf.

“The supply of turf should also be provided for those that see it as the preferred option, where relocation is not suitable. Also, a reimbursement scheme should be available for the loss of cutting rights,” he said.

In the case of relocation, the IFA wants a disturbance payment to be offered as, often, the relocated bog is a long way from the restricted bog. Also, a 100% grant should be available to those who want to install an alternative heating system and/or insulation where necessary.

Mr Divilly said: “All users must be accommodated in a package of measures which protect the rights of all bog owners and people who use bogs to provide fuel for their homes.”

Already, hundreds of applications have been received to this Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

The department estimates that about 1,500 turf cutters are affected by the requirement to cease cutting turf on raised bog SACs.