Galway turf cutters defy ban again
Members of the Gardaí were present as turf cutting machines defied the law again in Galway in the early hours of Sunday morning last.
The machines moved into a bog in Monivea where more than 500 yards of turf was cut as more than 60 people looked on.
There was a strong Garda presence at the bog but they did not make any effort to prevent the contractors from cutting turf.
While there was a significant local representation, there were also representatives from Clonmoylan in Portumna where the bogs issue is particularly contentious.
Machines moved into the bog in Monivea at around 4.30am and turf cutting commenced. The bog in question is one of those where turf cutting has been banned by the European Union.
Last year it caused serious conflict in South and East Galway where turf cutters were arrested and brought before the courts.
Gardaí from Athenry and other local stations observed as turf cutting took place on Monivea bogs.
There was no effort on the part of the Gardaí to prevent the action from taking place. They occupied a distance from where the turf cutting was embarked upon.
Unlike previous conflicts in South East Galway, there was no tension between the Gardaí and those engaging in illegal turf cutting.
Turf cutting campaigner and recently elected member of Galway County Council, Mick Fitzmaurice said that the public were exercising their right as they had done so for centuries.
He added: “And with the help of God common sense will prevail down the road. I have been given a mandate for something that I have been campaigning for over the last six or seven years.”
Read the full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.