Ireland referred to European court over turf cuttingIreland has been referred to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to protect sites designated for raised bog and blanket bog habitats from turf cutting. The move could ultimately result in greater restrictions on turf cutting on bogs in the region. It said: “These sites in Ireland continue to be degraded through drainage and turf cutting activities, and insufficient action is being taken to restore the sites.”The issue has been ongoing since 2011. Ireland hosts some of the most unique active raised bog sites in the EU as well as large areas of still active blanket bog. Ireland must redouble its efforts to move turf cutting machines away from these sites before the damage done makes restoration impossible.”

Source: Irish Independent March 13, 2024 17:27 UTC