Unauthorised turf-cutting has fallen by over 45%, says Deenihan

Arts and Heritage Minister Jimmy Deenihan last night said progress was being made in resolving the vexed, illegal turf-cutting row.

While some people are continuing to defy the EU and Government ban on turf-cutting in 53 raised bogs, the minister said unauthorised turf cutting in the bogs, which are in Special Conservation Areas, this year declined by over 45% compared with 2012.

The bogs are mainly in western counties, including one near the minister’s political base, Listowel, Co Kerry.