Bord na Móna peat briquettes will no longer be made after 2024
The semi-state company has formally ended its peat harvesting.
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The semi-state company has formally ended its peat harvesting.
Here on Achill Island, saving turf is not just simply a way to secure fuel, but a way of life, writes Saoirse McHugh.
The State-owned company has agreed to embark on a programme of rehabilitation of bogs in the midlands.
The strategy includes plans to start restoration work on a number of bogs across the country.
Rural Affairs Minister Heather Humphreys published legislation during the week to de-designate 46 National Heritage Areas (NHAs) in Ireland.
Bord na Móna has said the plan wouldn’t work.
Parks and Wildlife Service received reports of the cutting from locals in Counties Meath and Westmeath.
Two men charged with cutting turf on conservation areas have taken the action to prevent their criminal prosecution.
An Taisce has accused the government of “putting electoral considerations ahead of the needs of Ireland’s young generations”.
TD Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan has accused the government of attempting to win votes in the upcoming local and European elections with the move.
TD Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan suggested that if planes are going to be flying over the bogs so frequently, “maybe they could bring our turf home for us”.
TD Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan said An Taisce needs to “stop burning bloody bridges” but said his association did not condone the group’s action.
There is an economic and social value in preserving our bogs. We need to forget our romantic ideas turf fires and preserve our heritage, writes Kieran McNally.
Those opting for a relocation bog are now worried that the government will force a financial option on them instead of finding a new place for them to cut turf.
Flanagan hit out at the minister following the appearance of two men in court yesterday charged in relation to alleged illegal turf cutting.
Though over 2,600 applications have been received, turf cutters say the government has only addressed a small percentage of bog owners.
Figures released to TheJournal.ie show that a total of 2,117 payments and 191 turf deliveries have been made to applicants.
However the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association say they will not stop cutting turf until the government provides relocation bogs.
The turf-cutters demonstrated at the protected Clonmoylan Bog as Gardaí tried to remove their equipment.
Yesterday, turf cutters described Minister Jimmy Deenihan as “betraying” them and withdrew from talks with the Government. Today, he appealed to them not to begin cutting turf on protected bogs.
Thousands of people gathered outside the Dáil yesterday to demonstrate against the closure of raised bogs. Today, they welcomed yesterday’s Dáil motion in support of turf cutters.
Turf cutters are being encouraged to reject the latest compensation offer from the Government, which is 10 tonnes of turf a year, or €1000 a year for 15 years.
People who are being ordered to stop cutting turf on protected bogs will receive compensation including free turf.
Hundreds of turf cutters have stepped up their protesting this week. But what are they protesting about? We bring you both sides in this contentious issue.
Hundreds of turf cutters turned out in Tuam and Ballinasloe to voice their protestations against restrictions on turf cutting while the Taoiseach and Gay Mitchell were canvassing in the area.