Turf Cutting
Dail Éireann — 2026-07-07
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Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (FF), Carlow-Kilkenny

I would like to assure the Deputy that every effort is being made to support individuals who have ceased turf cutting on protected bogs. The cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme has operated, as the Deputy said, for 15 years, and the majority of turf cutters on these sites have accepted compensation. Many others have consented to restoration works under the protected raised bog restoration incentive scheme or have agreed to sell plots to the State. I can say that a lot of work has been done on this but the cessation of the turf cutting compensation scheme is a landmark achievement in balancing environmental preservation with community support.
Over its 15-year term, the scheme has successfully compensated over 3,500 active turf cutters, providing families with index-linked annual payments or relocation options to ensure energy security. This initiative has been instrumental in conserving 53 special areas of conservation and 36 natural heritage areas, addressing legal action against the State and protecting peatland sites of unique ecological value for future generations.
Through this scheme, the National Parks and Wildlife Service has demonstrated that significant ecological restoration is possible through fair and sustainable community engagement. It is very important that we will continue to support local peatland communities through schemes such as the peatlands and nature engagement scheme and other initiatives that sustain biodiversity, and enable these sites to deliver a wide range of environmental and climate benefits. As I said, the Minister could not make it but I will definitely go back with the Deputy's concerns. There is a lot of good communication there working within the communities. I thank the turf cutters for all their great work as well.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-07-07/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-14T01:01:07+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-07-07