MEP SAYS RELOCATION ALTERNATIVES WILL BE EXPLORED FOR GALWAY’S RAISED BOGS

Date Published: 27-Sep-2012

A North West MEP says the Government and the European Commission are well on the way to finding a real and lasting solution on the turf cutting ban which affects 12 bog complexes across County Galway.

MEP Marian Harkin says where there are no viable relocation alternatives, the Government is now exploring the possibility of future cutting being permitted.

Twelve bog complexes across County Galway are impacted by the EU directive which places a ban on domestic turf cutting in these special areas of conservation.

Failure to comply with the directive could mean fines and sanctions from Europe.

MEP Harkin says the Commission, the Government and the turf cutters need to work together to reach a solution.