Some 3,057 applications for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme for raised bogs have been received by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

The information was released in the Dáil in response to a parliamentary question asked by Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan.

A total of 6,437 payments and 650 deliveries of turf have been made to the applicants. In addition, 1,330 once-off payments of €500 have been made to those who have signed and returned legal agreements under the scheme.

The highest pay out was made to cutters of Ardgraigue Bog in Galway, with €2,489,467 spent in compensation. This is followed by Tullaghanrock Bog in Roscommon at €2,199,557.

The scheme has been extended to land owners affected by the restrictions on turf cutting. Some 164 applications have been received and payments have been made to 94 individual applicants at a cost of €142,000.

In 2010, a compensation payment of €1,000 was given to people who ceased turf cutting in the 31 raised bog designated as special areas of conservation. In 2011, a similar scheme was put in place which provided a payment of €1,500 annually for 15 years and €500 for signing up to the scheme early.

Domestic turf cutting on 36 natural heritage areas can continue until 1 January 2017. Applications are still open for turf cutters in these areas.