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Tuesday 28 November 2023 Dublin: 4°C

# Bogs

Last year
2022
Peat’s Sake: Leading company under EPA spotlight for potential unlicensed extraction
Noteworthy investigation reveals Klasmann-Deilmann Ireland is one of a dozen large-scale peat extractors currently being investigated by the environmental watchdog.
The Irish branch of peat giant Klasmann-Deilmann is being investigated by the EPA in relation to peat extraction in the Midlands, writes Noteworthy’s Niall Sargent
In June 2021, the EPA warned Klasmann it was of the view that the company was committing a serious and ongoing breach of EU environmental law
Almost a dozen other large-scale peat extractors are also under investigation by the environmental watchdog
Govt won't oppose fresh Dáil motion challenging turf sale restrictions
Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice’s motion calls on the Dáil to recognise that turf is a fuel many people are dependent on.
The Explainer: Why is cutting turf so bad for the environment?
Listen to hear what Dr Raymond Flynn of Queen’s University Belfast has to say about the topic.
Peat pressure: Industrial peat extraction in enforcement firing line
Historic problems revealed in crackdown on extraction without planning permission and EPA licensing.
Historic problems in enforcement of large-scale peat extraction in Ireland has led to the loss of precious bog, writes Niall Sargent
Noteworthy investigates the case of Harte Peat found to be operating in breach of EU law
12 other peat extractors are now also subject to ongoing EPA enforcement action
High Court orders peat company to halt unauthorised extraction in Midlands
Environmental Protection Agency brought injunction proceedings against Harte Peat Ltd.
EPA to investigate complaint about State response to peat extraction on protected bogs
The move from the environmental watchdog comes in response to a complaint from an environmental NGO about illegal cutting.
Peat was cut at 280 plots in protected bogs last year without State consent
A report by
Niall Sargent
Noteworthy analysis reveals cutting has frequently taken place at 30 protected sites over the past decade despite clear prohibitions since 2011.
The cutting of peat has frequently taken place at 30 protected sites over the past decade, writes Niall Sargent of Noteworthy
No ministerial consents have been granted by the State to allow cutting in any of the protected raised bog network sites
Just 1% of Ireland's active raised bogs remain after decades of peat-cutting and land reclamation
All time
'We've made tough decisions': How Bord na Móna became worth €1.25 billion in less than two years
The company has radically changed in a short amount of time. But how did they do it? And at what cost?
Bord na Móna peat briquettes will no longer be made after 2024
The semi-state company has formally ended its peat harvesting.
Saoirse McHugh: The end of turf-cutting brings opportunities to increase our energy independence
Here on Achill Island, saving turf is not just simply a way to secure fuel, but a way of life, writes Saoirse McHugh.
Bord na Móna announces plan to redeploy 200 workers
The State-owned company has agreed to embark on a programme of rehabilitation of bogs in the midlands.
'This is about heritage and tradition': Turf cutters say the new bogs strategy won't solve the problem
The strategy includes plans to start restoration work on a number of bogs across the country.
Good news for turf cutters: New laws will allow them to work on protected bogs
Rural Affairs Minister Heather Humphreys published legislation during the week to de-designate 46 National Heritage Areas (NHAs) in Ireland.
TD calls for bogs to be flooded to 'save communities'
Bord na Móna has said the plan wouldn’t work.
Appeal issued over unauthorised bog cutting
Parks and Wildlife Service received reports of the cutting from locals in Counties Meath and Westmeath.
Turf cutters take High Court action to halt their prosecution
Two men charged with cutting turf on conservation areas have taken the action to prevent their criminal prosecution.
New strategy on bogs "treats science as something to be bargained away"
An Taisce has accused the government of “putting electoral considerations ahead of the needs of Ireland’s young generations”.
Government publishes plan to allow turf cutting on more bogs
TD Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan has accused the government of attempting to win votes in the upcoming local and European elections with the move.
Over €46,000 spent on surveillance of bogs for illegal turf cutting this year
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”.
Bog action group criticised for ‘appalling persecution’ of endangered bird
TD Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan said An Taisce needs to “stop burning bloody bridges” but said his association did not condone the group’s action.
Column: Burning our bogs is like setting fire to our future
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.
Turf cutters 'annoyed' by wording in compensation agreement
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.
Luke 'Ming' Flanagan tells Minister Deenihan to 'put up or shut up'
Flanagan hit out at the minister following the appearance of two men in court yesterday charged in relation to alleged illegal turf cutting.
Turf cutters reject 'progress' made in compensation scheme
Though over 2,600 applications have been received, turf cutters say the government has only addressed a small percentage of bog owners.
Almost €3.5m paid out for turf cutting compensation since 2011
Figures released to TheJournal.ie show that a total of 2,117 payments and 191 turf deliveries have been made to applicants.
Deenihan welcomes over 1,000 turf cutters’ compensation applications
However the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association say they will not stop cutting turf until the government provides relocation bogs.
150 Galway turf-cutters in overnight stand-off with Gardaí
The turf-cutters demonstrated at the protected Clonmoylan Bog as Gardaí tried to remove their equipment.
Minister: Don't break law by cutting turf
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.
Turf cutters welcome Dáil motion
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 stand firm in rejecting compensation
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.
Government to offer free turf to cutters on protected bogs
People who are being ordered to stop cutting turf on protected bogs will receive compensation including free turf.
Your guide to: The turf cutting restrictions
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 heckle Mitchell and Kenny in Galway
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.
Agreement reached over controversial turf cutting