The provision of turf for domestic home heating as part of the Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme (CTCCS)

Tender description

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht manage the Irish State's nature conservation responsibilities under National and European law. A particular responsibility of the NPWS is the designation and protection of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs). 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) and 36 raised bog natural heritage areas (NHAs) is no longer permitted. The Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme is in place for those affected by the cessation of turf cutting on these sites. The scheme offers qualifying applicants the option of a 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. Qualifying applicants may avail of the annual payment or the delivery of 15 tonnes of turf to their homes while awaiting relocation to non-designated bog where they can continue to cut turf. The Department is seeking tenders from suppliers of cut turf who can make an annual delivery of an amount equivalent to 15 tonnes of turf suitable for domestic heating and who have a Depot within either LOT region as outlined herein.