Funds for cutters forced off bogs
Turf-cutting or associated drainage works has been halted on 32 raised bogs.
Work has also begun on identifying alternative and suitable turbary rights for affected turf-cutters, where appropriate and available.
Representing IFA, Padraic Divilly said the €1,000 offer to each bog owner stopped from cutting turf was some recognition of the value of turf extraction for home use.
“However, turf cutters must be given other options which should include being allowed to cut turf for domestic purpose, relocation to other bogs with compensation, 100% grant for installation of alternative domestic heating systems, and the opportunity for the purchase of their bogs by the National Parks and Wildlife Service,” said the IFA Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) project team chairman.
He also said contractors who lose business as a result of unavailability of bog to cut in the future must be part of a compensation package.
Failure to make a satisfactory compensation offer will lead to a massive rejection of attempts to stop turf cutting on 25,000 acres of bog next year, said Mr Divilly.
Turf-cutting will be halted on a further 24 SACs at the end of 2011, and on 75 Natural Heritage Areas at the end of 2013.
All these sites make up less than 5% of peatlands where turf-cutting is feasible; the remaining 95% will not be affected.
Cutting on blanket bog SACs, mostly on the western seaboard, can continue under restrictions introduced in 1999.
The Voluntary Bog Purchase Scheme is being closed to new applicants, but applications already received will be progressed.
