The Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs has said that the Government had no alternative but to implement plans laid down by the European Habitats Directive in relation to turf cutting.
Under the directive, turf cutting is to cease on certain bogs listed as special areas of conservation.
In a reply to Independent TD Luke Ming Flanagan, Jimmy Deenihan said that he would endeavour to help turf cutters who were affected with compensation or by relocating them to other bogs.
Mr Deenihan said a scheme is in place to help turf cutters affected by the directive, under which 53 bogs are to be closed by February.
He said that to date over 500 turf cutters have applied for compensation, which amounts to €1,000 per year index-linked for 15 years.
Under the scheme run by the Peatlands Council, applicants can choose between financial compensation or a supply of 10 tonnes of turf or an alternative bog.
