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.