Coalition ‘breaks promises to turfcutters’

THE Government has broken promises it made to compensate turfcutters affected by EU laws which ban them from cutting on specified protected bogs, it has been claimed.

A fresh row has broken out between the turfcutters and contractors association (TCCA), which represents people who cut the bogs, and the Peatlands Council — a body set up by the Government to mediate a solution between all parties.

According to Independent TD and spokesman for the TCCA, Luke “Ming” Flanagan, hundreds of people are waiting for financial compensation, and promises of relocating to other new bogs have not materialised.

Mr Flanagan said the TCCA has now pulled out of the Peatlands Council, which was set up in April to find a solution to the issue of cutting turf on protected bogs.

“We have been promised much but nothing has ever been delivered upon,” said Mr Flanagan.

Chairman of the Peatlands Council, Conor Skehan, appealed to the TCCA to come back to the table.

He said the council is working to give turfcutters on the ground a voice and get the best deal for them.