Bog compo being paid

Top-up compensation for landowners who sold SAC (special areas of conservation) or NHA (natural heritage areas) bogs from 1998 to 2003 is now being paid to more than 100 farmers by the Department of the Environment, says IFA Western Committee Chairman Martin Gavin.

He said the payment is €4,730, the difference between the old top-up of €1,270 and the newly agreed €6,000. Mr Gavin urged 500 farmers who agreed to sell from 1998 to 2003 to apply immediately to the Department of the Environment.

He said the Department will begin payments to those who agreed to sell since December, 2002, when paperwork is completed.