More than €8.3m has been paid in compensation for the cessation of turf cutting. In 2010, a compensation payment of €1,000 was given to people who ceased turf cutting in the 31 raised bog Special Areas of Conservation which were nominated for designation between 1997 and 1999. In 2011, a similar scheme was put in place which provided a payment of €1,500 per year, index linked for 15 years, or where possible there was the relocation of turf cutters to non-designated bogs.

There was also a voluntary bog purchase scheme available to individuals where a person’s interest in specific raised bogs could be sold to the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. This scheme ceased in May 2010.

The Department also envisage the cessation of turf cutting on 36 natural heritage areas by 2017. Any turf cutter required to cease turf cutting on a natural heritage area is being offered compensatory measures similar to those available to turf cutters from raised bog Special Areas of Conservation. The compensation will be available to qualifying applicants from 2014. Further details are available at www.ahg.gov.ie/en/Publications.