Turf reprieve was inevitable, says IFA

TURF CUTTING can continue on all bogs during 2009, according to a statement issued last week by Environment Minister John Gormley.

Michael Silke of IFA said that the decision — to allow turf cutting on designated Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) bogs in 2009 — was inevitable, given the very strong reaction of bog owners to planned restrictions. He said the one year extension to a 10-year derogation is a step in the right direction.

However, IFA wants turf cutting for domestic purposes to continue indefinitely on designated bogs, maintaining it causes no damage to the 34,000 hectares involved, and that farmers who depend on turf for fuel must not be discriminated against.