The Environmental Protection Agency says no large-scale commercial peat extraction site is operating within environmental or planning regulations. Photograph: Alan BetsonIreland exported almost €40 million worth of peat last year despite there being no known legal commercial peat extraction operation in the country. The 371,884 tonnes of peat were sold to 21 countries, including Israel which bought more than 23,000 tonnes worth €3.146 million. The EPA says no large-scale commercial peat extraction site is operating within environmental or planning regulations. “The illegal large-scale extraction of peat is widespread in Ireland,” the agency said.

Source: The Irish Times March 12, 2026 16:50 UTC