Turf Cutting
Seanad Éireann — 2026-05-13
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Kieran O'Donnell (FG), Limerick City

I thank Senator Murphy again for bringing this important issue up for discussion, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy James Browne. I assure Senator Murphy that every effort is made to support individuals who cut turf on protected bogs. The turf cutting scheme has operated for 15 years. The majority of turf cutting sites have accepted compensation and others have consented to the restoration works of the protected raised bog restoration incentive scheme. The turf cutting compensation scheme is a landmark achievement balancing environmental preservation with community support. In its 15-year term, the scheme compensated more than 3,500 active turf cutters through an annual payments index linked to relocation options to ensure energy security. This initiative has also facilitated the conservation of 53 special areas of conservation and 36 national heritage areas, addressing legal action against the State in protecting peatland sites of unique ecological value for future generations. Through the scheme, the National Parks and Wildlife Service demonstrated that significant ecological restoration is possible through fair and sustainable community engagement.
The matters brought up by the Senator today will be brought to the attention of the Minister and the National Parks and Wildlife Service and I suggest he follow up again with the respective parties on this matter in respect of his constituents. The Government will continue to support local peatland communities through schemes such as the peatlands and Natura engagement scheme and other incentives that sustain biodiversity. By investing in the restoration of these protected peatlands we can unlock a multitude of benefits for both society and the environment.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-05-13/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:56+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-13