TCCA RENEWS CALL FOR INQUIRY INTO HANDLING TO TURF CUTTING BAN

Date Published: 08-Nov-2012

The Turf Cutters and Contractors Association has renewed its call for a sworn judicial inquiry into the handling of a turf cutting ban which currently affects 12 bog complexes in County Galway.

It follows the stepping down of the Peatland's Council Chairman Conor Skehan and his replacement by Seamus Boland.

Mr Boland has vowed to work with all relevant stakeholders to find suitable solutions.

Conor Skehan, who headed the Peatlands Council since April last year, made the decision to step-down in order to concentrate on other personal and professional committments.

The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht says that under his stewardship, an initial public consultation phase on a new National Peatlands Strategy was overseen.

However, the TCCA has criticised the peatlands council and says the government strategy for resolving the controversy is now in tatters.

The group has tabled its proposals to both the government and the EU Commission, on the EU directive which prevents cutting in special areas of conservation.

Speaking to Galway Bay fm news TCCA Chairman Michael Fitzmaurice has wished the outgoing Chairman well but says a new approach is now needed to replace the current Peatlands Council.