Turf-cutting ban halted for one year

BOG owners have been granted a year-long reprieve from a ban on turf-cutting that is expected to come into force at the start of 2010.

The 10-year ban applies to 32 raised bogs in the midlands which have been marked as special conservation areas and subject to the EU Habitats Directive.

The ban was due to come into effect at the start of 2009, but Environment Minister and Green Party leader John Gormley said it is being postponed to allow an “orderly transition” and issues such as compensation for farmers to be sorted out.