Written Answers. - Parliamentary Debates - Houses of the Oireachtas

[Deputy Jimmy Deenihan.]
Questions— 14 February 2012. Written Answers
bodies are; Chair — €11,970/Stg£8,140, Vice-Chair — €9,830/Stg£6,690 and Member —
€7,695/Stg£5,235.
Coastal Protection
377. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when
a decision will issue on an application by the coast guard for a site for a new coast guard station
at the new airstrip at Cluain Leacht an Abba near Cleggan, County Galway, in view of the
need to ensure the best use of resources and the need for a coast guard station in the area; and
if he will make a statement on the matter. [7882/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan): While some preliminary
discussions have taken place between my Department and the Irish Coast Guard, no
formal application has been received in relation to the provision of a site for a new coast guard
station. Planning permission has been granted in relation to the provision of terminal buildings
at Cluain Leacht an Abba, An Cloigeann, Co. Galway and a new management contract for the
airstrip will commence on 1 March 2012. This matter will be discussed further with the management
company and with the Irish Coast Guard when the new management arrangements come
into effect.
Turbary Rights
378. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in relation
to cessation of turf cutting on certain bogs if he will clarify if he has ring fenced sufficient
finance to compensate effected families; if the compensation paid out will reflect the number
of households who benefit from the use of the plot of bog seeking to be included in the
compensation scheme; if he will clarify whether the right of ownership ceases once an applicant
completes and submits compensation form; and the person responsible if any future liability
arises on a plot of bog which is included in the compensation scheme. [7962/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan): In April 2011, the
Government announced a redress package for those affected by the cessation of turf cutting
on raised bog special areas of conservation. This Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation
Scheme offers qualifying turf cutters the option of a financial payment of €1,000 per year, index
linked, over 15 years or, where feasible, relocation to non-designated bogs, where they can
continue to cut turf. Those wishing to relocate can avail of the financial payment or the delivery
of cut turf while relocation sites are identified and prepared. The costs of acquiring and preparing
relocation sites will be met by the State. I have ensured that sufficient funding is being
made available in 2012 in respect of this scheme.
The Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme is designed to compensate the owner
of the land or turbary rights. I am conscious that there are individuals sharing plots and my
Department is giving consideration to this issue at present.
The completion of a Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme application form and
its submission to my Department is not legally binding on the applicant.However, those who
qualify for and receive compensation will be required to enter into a legal agreement with
me, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. This legal agreement will set out the
responsibilities and obligations of the owner of the land or turbary right and of the Minister
for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. It will also confirm that ownership of the property will
not pass to the Minister but will remain in the ownership of the applicant.
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