Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 April 2026
120. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 1828 of 14 April 2026, concerning Moanveanlagh bog, if there are ongoing investigations into finding alternative sites; if the compensation scheme will end in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28819/26]
View answerThe Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme was established following engagement with stakeholders in 2011 for active domestic turf cutters arising from the restrictions on turf cutting on 53 raised bog special areas of conservation (SAC) and was extended in 2014 to include 36 raised bog natural heritage areas (NHA).
This scheme has compensated those impacted by restrictions on turf-cutting on protected sites, and over its 15-year term has helped to ensure the conservation of important peatland sites of unique ecological value.
Eligible applicants on raised bog SACs where turf cutting ceased in 2011 received their final payment under the 15-year scheme in 2025. Applicants on SACs where turf cutting ceased in 2012 will receive their final payment in 2026. Where turf cutting ceased on the raised bog NHAs at different stages between 2014 and 2017; payments will continue to be made annually with final payments being made from 2028 to 2031.
A total of 69 Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme applications from Moanveanlagh Bog SAC (Site Code: 002351) in County Kerry were received by my Department. Of these, less than 10 applicants expressed an interest in relocation to non-designated bogs.
To-date two relocation sites for Moanveanlagh Bog SAC have been investigated as an alternative but did not proceed due to limited interest by the applicants in the identified sites, and relocation was not considered to be feasible. Currently this position remains unchanged, and the Department has no plans to investigate any further sites for Moanveanlagh Bog SAC.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service offers other schemes to support the conservation of these sites and local community groups, including:
• The Protected Raised Bog Restoration Incentive Scheme, which is a once off, area based financial incentive and voluntary land purchase scheme which enables the conservation of protected peatlands. The scheme is open to applications from eligible property right holders who wish to have their lands included as part of a restoration scheme or where access is required for restoration measures within protected raised bogs.
• The Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme aims to encourage local communities, organisations, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to actively contribute to the conservation and restoration of Natura 2000 sites and peatland areas and funds a diverse range of initiatives with community benefit.
Other supports, such as those operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland and the Department of Social Protection, are available to those with older homes, inefficient heating systems and those most at risk of fuel poverty.[]
