Provision of expertise in assessment of suitability, design and turf allocation at relocation sites

Tender description

Further to Ireland’s obligations under EU law to protect rare and threatened natural habitats, turf cutting on 53 raised bog special areas of conservation (SACs) is no longer permitted. In April 2011, the Government announced a compensation package for those affected by the cessation of turf cutting in these 53 raised bog SACs. The package offers qualifying turf cutters the option of a financial payment of €1,500 per year, index linked, for a period of 15 years or, where feasible, relocation to a non-designated bog where they can continue to cut turf. The Department is seeking to procure expert services to assist in the relocation of turf cutters from specific raised bog special areas of conservation to non designated bogs to include (i) suitability assessment of relocation site(s), (ii) design and plan of site(s), and (iii) assessment of turf (hopper) allocation in the relocation site(s).