FIE to seek review on continued turf cutting
FRIENDS of the Irish Environment (FIE) has warned that it will seek a judicial review of any Government decision to continue allowing domestic turf cutting on raised bogs designated for protection under EU rules.
John Gormley, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, recently announced the continuation of derogations to allow turf cutting in designated areas for this year, but the FIE argue that these rules are illegal under EU and Irish law.
"No derogation was ever granted by the EU. The true situation is that the Government unilaterally arrogated to itself the power to impose, selectively, the terms of the habitats directive, when it has no such legal right."
Chairman of the IFA's hill farming committee, Neilie O'Leary, supports those wishing to continue cutting turf for personal use.
He said that he is not averse to the restriction of areas where no cutting is taking place but feels that it is a step too far to ban people from cutting on their own land.
- Orla Ryan
