EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER REACTS TO TURF CUTTERS DEFIANCE

Date Published: 06-Apr-2012

The European Environment Commissioner is 'disappointed' with the decision of farmers in Galway and other areas to defy a ban on turf cutting.

Janez Potocnik reacted to news that the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association, or TCCA, has pulled out of talks with government on finding a solution for farmers with raised bogs in areas of special conservation.

Government ministers Phil Hogan and Jimmy Deenihan were in Brussels earlier this week accompanied by Conor Skehan, chairman of the Peatlands Council.

They delivered a three-year transitional plan, prepared by the TCCA, to the European commissioner, but failed to get permission for Irish farmers to cut on protected bogs this year.

The TCCA reacted angrily, and vowed to go ahead and cut on bogs, regardless of the fact that turf-cutters may face prosecution for flouting the law, and that Ireland could be fined up to twenty five thousand a day.

TD Luke 'Ming' Flanagan said turf-cutters were vindicating their rights by cutting this year on bogs their families have cut on for hundreds of years.

He said government had itself to blame if the country faced fines from Europe