Turf compo deal starts to deliver

Turfcutters who have been banned from using raised bogs have started to receive free turf as part of a compensation deal.

The 15-tonne loads of turf began to be delivered to families in Co Galway at the weekend, in the parishes of Mountbellew and Newbridge, and the operation will continue for a month.

After lengthy discussions between turfcutters, the Irish Peatlands Association, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Bord na Móna, a compensation deal was arranged until replacement bogs are readied for turfcutting next year.

The first home to get an allocation for the year was that of Gerry Hughes.

Former Fine Gael TD Paul Connaughton Sr, who will also avail of the scheme, admitted he had no wish to spend a year away from the bogs.

“I am cutting turf all of my life and the last thing we wanted to do was to be put off our own bogs, but we wanted to keep cutting turf as well so we signed the contracts,” he said.

“As we didn’t cut turf this year on our own bogs we have been given some bogs close by which were owned by Bord na Móna.

“As we speak, the machines are in there draining and preparing the land for cutting turf next year.

“As part of the deal each of us were entitled to 15 tonnes of dried turf to be delivered to each of our homes.”

And so far Mr Connaughton and the other local families, who have become used to enjoying some of the best turf around over the years, are happy with the quality of fuel being delivered.

“The turf came from Portarlington in Laois from a private contractor and we wouldn’t have accepted it if it wasn’t good quality. We would be used to good turf here,” he said.

“We went up to see it last week to inspect in and make sure it was up to standard. But in fairness we signed the contracts and it has been stuck to verbatim so far.”

It is estimated that 30 homes will receive turf this year in Mountbellew and Newbridge.

In total between 40 and 45 families are moving bogs, but this year some recipients elected to receive monetary compensation instead of the turf as they have adequate fuel supplies to keep them going for the year.

“We are hopeful that the bog will be ready for us to cut turf next year but if it is not we will be supplied with turf once more,” said the former TD.