Illegal turfcutting ‘widespread’ says group

Illegal turfcutting is widespread, despite government promises, according to Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE) after an aerial survey.

The 500 photographs showing the cutting and locations could prove embarrassing for the minister in charge, Jimmy Deenihan, as they include areas near his family’s bog in Co Kerry. He is due to discuss the problems with the European Commission next week.

The FIE survey shows about a third of the country’s 53 active raised bog Natura 2000 sites have been mechanically cut so far this year, including some that had received EU funds for restoration in the past.