TURF CUTTERS FAIL TO HAVE CONCERNS HEARD

Date Published: 09-Oct-2011

Over 200 people took part in a demonstration in the city centre this afternoon [Sunday Oct 9] to highlight their opposition to the ban on cutting turf in raised bogs.

The protest got underway just before midday outside the Hotel Meyrick in Eyre Square where Michael D Higgins failed to appear for his benefit brunch fundraiser.

In a statement to Galway Bay FM news, Mr Higgins states that he regrets the logistical issues which prevented him from attending the event.

The Barroughter and Clonmoylan Bogs Action Group claim that the Labour Presidential candidate is responsible for introducing a directive in 1997 which has resulted in the current ban.

However, Mr Higgins states that the directive in question was finalised by the government that preceded the one in which he served as Minister.

He said the issues raised by protestors outside the event are not related to the powers or functions of the President and that he hopes the dispute can be resolved through dialogue and conciliation.