EU conservation law on turf ‘favours Bord na Móna over small farmers’

SMALL farmers are being unfairly prevented from cutting turf on their land while Bord na Móna is free to harvest Irish bogs without hindrance, according to Sean Kelly MEP.

The Fine Gael South Ireland MEP said that EU conservation laws are being unfairly applied. He has questioned the logic of the regulations, which sanction Bord na Móna’s commercial operations while prohibiting the long-standing traditional activities of small turf-cutters.

“Turf-cutting in Ireland is part and parcel of our cultural identity,” Mr Kelly said. “Irish heritage is something we are trying to promote and should be supported.