Clergy back turf-cutters as court date looms for contractors

Priests throughout Co Galway have come out in support of turf-cutters who are due to appear before Loughrea District Court next Wednesday on summonses relating to ‘illegal’ cutting at European Union designated bogs.

The priests in the diocese of Clonfert read out messages of support for the four men and urged people to support them in newsletters which were circulated at Sunday Mass at a number of parishes last weekend.

The clerical support comes in the week in which the Minister for Arts, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan TD, revealed that over €1 million in compensation has been paid to Co Galway turf-cutters under the Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme.

Thirteen of the 53 Special Area of Conservation (SAC) designated bogs across the State are in Co Galway and Minister Deenihan’s office told the Connacht Tribune that over 650 applications have been received from the Galway turf-cutters, the majority of which are for financial compensation.

Messages of support for the contractors were read out at Sunday Masses or circulated in parish newsletters in Craughwell, Athenry, Monivea, Woodford, Ryehill, and Tynagh, at the weekend.

“Stand up for your constitutional rights and come to Loughrea to support the four men,” says one parish newsletter which has been seen by the Connacht Tribune.

Members of the Barroughter, Clonmoylan, and Ardraigue Bog Action Group have pledged to host a silent protest in support of the four contractors outside Loughrea Courthouse – and have received messages of support from people who have expressed an interest in travelling from Kerry, Laois, Offaly, Westmeath, and Connemara.

The four men will face summonses for using machinery without lawful authority, contrary to Section 35 (1)(B) and Section 67 (2) of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011.

See full story in this week's Connacht Tribune.