Turf-cutting compensation unveiled

A compensation package worth up to €15,000 for turf cutters has been announced by the Government.

The money is to compensate turf cutters in 31 raised bogs that are special areas of conservation (SACs), mostly in areas of the west and midlands.

They were exempted for 10 years from the EU Habitats directive, which prevented them from cutting turf in SACs.

Those who have been prevented from cutting turf will receive €1,000 a year for the next 15 years. Alternatively, they will be offered alternative, non-designated sites to continue cutting turf.

A pilot project is under consideration by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Bord na Móna and turf-cutters on Clara Bog in Co Offaly.

Announcing the compensation award, Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan said Ireland had legal obligations and was facing infringement proceedings from the European Commission.

However, rural groups criticised the compensation awarded as not enough.

Independent TD Luke 'Ming' Flanagan, who acts as spokesman for the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association (TCCA), expressed disappointment.

“The Turf Cutters and Contractors Association are making it quite clear that they think it is bad value for money,” he said. “And if all turf cutters think they are going to get compensation then they are very naive.”

Mr Flanagan claimed 376 people out of 1,200 who sold bogland to the State under a previous special conservation scheme have yet to be paid.

He said he spoke to Mr Hogan yesterday evening and the Minister had not not indicated that he was going to make the decision today.

IFA spokesman Padraic Divilly called for the compensation to be doubled. "Farmers must be allowed to cut turf for domestic purposes. Where restrictions are imposed, the payments should be to €2,000 per annum, and for the lifetime of the bog, not 15 years as announced," Mr Divilly said.

Gabriel Gilmartin, president of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association it was not a "realistic" compensation package. "Turf cutting in Ireland has long been a tradition and an effective source of inexpensive heating fuel for many rural families," he said.