Fourteen local sites probed over peat extraction

By Rebekah O'Reilly

The Environmental Protection Agency is investigating fourteen sites across Westmeath and Roscommon, for potential unauthorised peat extraction, it has emerged.

The 14 sites in the two counties are among 38 sites nationally being probed, with many of these being located in the Midlands.

There are eight sites identified in Westmeath, there are also nine sites in Offaly, and six in Roscommon.

Investigations by the EPA have uncovered data, including drone footage, on what it said was "illegal industrial scale peat extraction activities" on peatland sites less than 50 hectares and has provided this information to the relevant local authorities.

In a statement, the EPA said: “The unauthorised exploitation of peat on an industrial scale is causing the destruction of important natural habitats and is compromising the role these peatlands play in helping society mitigate the impacts of and adapt to climate change.

It said it had been “investigating large scale illegal commercial peat extraction for a number of years, and has had recent success in the courts.

“The EPA is very concerned regarding the extent of ongoing illegal activity and the widespread disregard for environmental law. This remains a key enforcement priority,” the agency said last week.

The authorisation of industrial scale peat extraction is governed by a complex set of regulations with the EPA regulating activities greater than 50 hectare.

Local authorities have roles in regulating commercial peat extraction that is less than 50 hectares.

EPA has requested each council prepare county and site-specific plans to address illegal activities.

Fine Gael Cllr John Dolan said: "I haven't been made aware of any action taken by Westmeath County Council for bogs in my area. The EPA need to think of practical solutions.

"Instead of seizing machines and taking keys from vehicles, they need to stop the export of peat.

“And if there's peat already harvested - that should be used in Ireland."

Speaking about the alternative uses for peat, Cllr Dolan said: "The days of burning peat are over - we all accept that.

"In my own experience - we're a farming family - we use peat for under cows when they're calving.”

He said peat they recently ordered came in from Slovakia.