Farming Independent July 13th 2010 by Paul Melia
The state faces the prospect of paying more than €250m buying bogs on which turf- cutting is no longer allowed.
Farmers could be set for a massive windfall after a report commissioned by Environment Minister John Gormley said the cost of buying 130 bogs across the country could reach “in excess” of €227m, plus another €50m in legal costs.
But even if the bogs are not bought outright, the minister is considering buying turbary (turf cutting) rights from affected landowners.
The cost of doing this would be €54m, paid out over six years. A compensation scheme for landowners is also being considered, which would cost €42m over 14 years.
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