TAOISEACH RULES OUT PERSONAL NEGOTIATIONS WITH TURF CUTTERS

Date Published: 10-Oct-2011

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny has ruled himself out of negotiations with turf cutters protesting in Galway this afternoon.

The Taoiseach is accompanying Presidential candidate Gay Mitchell on a tour of the city, Tuam and Ballinasloe today.

Turf cutters from areas including East Galway are holding protests in Tuam and Ballinasloe this afternoon to co-incide with the visit.

Yesterday, over 200 people took part in a demonstration in the city to highlight their opposition to the ban on cutting turf in restricted bogs.

Ireland is facing millions of euro in penalties plus fines from the European commission unless it takes steps to end turf cutting in protected peatland habitiats.

Speaking to Galway Bay FM News, Enda Kenny said talks with turf cutters and the Heritage Minister Jimmy Deenihan will take place in the next two weeks