Thirty eight large-scale illegal peat operations currently in operation across Ireland

The illegal operations contribute to an export trade of 300,000 tonnes of peat annually, valued at almost €40m

Report notes appropriate regulation of peat harvesting can provide important protections for the environment.

There are 38 large-scale peat extraction sites illegally in operation, according to a new report published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The investigation identified 38 sites across seven counties — Offaly, Kildare, Tipperary, Westmeath, Roscommon, Longford and Sligo — where it was discovered peat extractions were being carried out without the necessary authorisations from the local authorities.