RAISED BOG OWNERS TO HOLD SILENT PROTEST IN LOUGHREA

Date Published: 06-Mar-2013

Turfcutters from raised boglands across the country are expected to take part in a silent protest in Loughrea later this morning (Mar 6).

The demonstration is being held in solidarity with four men who are due to appear in court today after they were issued with summonses in relation to turf-cutting activity in an area designated as SAC.The turf-cutting ban impacts 13 sites wholly or partly located in Galway.

A total of 53 such raised bogs nationwide, comprising 2% of the sites from which peat can be harvested, have been nominated as Special Areas of Conservation or SACs.

The peaceful demonstration will take place away from the courthouse later this morning with turfcutters expected to travel from areas including Kerry, Westmeath and Kildare.