Fine Gael Tipperary North TD, Noel Coonan, has said that the Government has made "real progress" in the last 12 months on addressing the concerns of turf cutters, following years of inaction by the previous Fianna Fáil Government and the Independent TDs who supported it.

"This is yet another difficult issue that this Government has not backed away from. We have been determined to engage with turf cutters to ensure that the best possible solution can be found in relation to the closure of 53 raised bogs.

"We have a deep understanding of the fact that people do not want to give up their right to cut turf, but we don't have any choice in the matter. If we don’t close the affected bogs, the State will face heavy fines from the European Courts. That’s why we have taken a progressive approach to engage with the turf cutters who are affected, and provide a range of options for a way forward.

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"Soon after coming into office, the Government established the Peatlands Commission to engage with turf cutters and come up with realistic solutions. A three-day forum was also convened last month, chaired by Mr Justice John Quirke, to allow representatives of turf-cutters to discuss their concerns with the relevant State bodies.

"I’ve made representations on behalf of local bog owners to Minister Jimmy Deenihan, who met with local groups involved in bogs in the Lorrha, North Tipperary area. I would like to commend the Minister for the extremely proactive approach he has taken throughout this entire process.

"After listening to the views of turf cutters, the decision has been taken to increase the compensation on offer from €1,000 a year to €1,500, and to include a once-off payment of €500 to landowners who participate in the deal. Those who wish to be relocated to open bogs will be accommodated in as flexible a manner as possible. A national plan will also be drawn up to consider whether some turf cutting could be permitted, while still complying with EU regulations.

"There was a breakdown in communication between turf cutters and the previous Fianna Fail Government, and the Independent TDs who propped it up for so long. This Government is determined that this environment is confined to the past. We will continue to engage with bog owners and rebuild the trust that has been eroded in recent years."

(MM/GK)