Enough ! Turf Cutting Prohibition on Raised Bogs

[bob3367]

I have to say I have a mixed view on this, but find myself coming down on the side of the turfcutters.

Surely these bogs have been harvested for turf for centuries, if not longer, and the bogs are still here.

I also agree with the need of preserving bogs, and they are important to ecosystems etc.

Surely there must be some common ground, for like people being able to save turf for themselves and communities whilst ensuring the future of the bogs.

Or am I missing something.

[james5001]

Obviously - afforestation with industrial ranks of non-native conifers has destroyed as many bogs(and water catchments) as those "traditional" sausage machines.

I thougght that. I was wondering if they can't be planted for this reason

[brim4brim]

Its a great idea, I think we should extend it to coal mines and oil reservoirs which similarly store large amounts of carbon.

Oh whats that you say Europe? You need those for energy? Funny you say that...

[Radix]

Bord na Mona drain the bogs permanently. A drained bog degrades and give off lots of CO2.

I've heard the Oireachtas described in many terms, but this one I agree with!

[Falco]

I have to say I have a mixed view on this, but find myself coming down on the side of the turfcutters.

Surely these bogs have been harvested for turf for centuries, if not longer, and the bogs are still here.

I also agree with the need of preserving bogs, and they are important to ecosystems etc.

Surely there must be some common ground, for like people being able to save turf for themselves and communities whilst ensuring the future of the bogs.

Or am I missing something.

The designation only covers less then 5% of raised bogs while blanket bogs don't come under it at all. The bogs selected are the last ones left that are considered intact ie. they still have their full suite of species and are actively renewing. Sadly the vast majority of bogs will never recover their former glory since their hydrological base has been totally destroyed by centuaries of peat cutting and drainage.

PS: To settle this matter the government should increase the compensation by 50%(it should also be mentioned that owners are being offered alternative bogs too in the general area!!), which would still cost far less then potential fines - indeed it would be alot cheaper then the compo the previous government handed out to a handfull of pig processors after that dioxin scare a few years back

[GreenIsGood]

The Bog of Allen was an extraordinary wetland on a par with the Pantanal in Brazil or the Florida Everglades. We didn't understand the science in the 1920s when Bord Na Mona began it's shameful destruction. We do understand the science now. There is no excuse any more.

When we know something is wrong, action has to be taken. When slavery was abolished, lots of people lost their livelihoods. The 1833 Slavery Abolition Act compensated slave owners. No doubt greedy slave-owners milked the compensation issue.

In my opinion turf-cutters are milking the compensation issue. Turf cutting is not some ancient tradition. It only began in response to wholesale deforestation in the 1700's. But there is no reason for fuel poverty in rural Ireland. We have a low population density and trees grow extremely well. Small plantations can provide all the firewood local communities need every winter. A few acres and a chainsaw is all it takes.

[Clanrickard]

These turf cutters are proof positive that the sleeveen mentality is alive and well. This is not people shivering by the fire because of fuel poverty this is about people cutting hoppers of turf and flogging it and not declaring it. Increase the number of protected bogs and stiffen the penalties for those that abuse the law.

[junius]

The designation only covers less then 5% of raised bogs while blanket bogs don't come under it at all. The bogs selected are the last ones left that are considered intact ie. they still have their full suite of species and are actively renewing. Sadly the vast majority of bogs will never recover their former glory since their hydrological base has been totally destroyed by centuaries of peat cutting and drainage.

PS: To settle this matter the government should increase the compensation by 50%(it should also be mentioned that owners are being offered alternative bogs too in the general area!!), which would still cost far less then potential fines - indeed it would be alot cheaper then the compo the previous government handed out to a handfull of pig processors after that dioxin scare a few years back

They can't buy people. See below! Rossport/Corrib Gas fiasco is ongoing for 10 years - many have not and will never be bought!

These turf cutters are proof positive that the sleeveen mentality is alive and well. This is not people shivering by the fire because of fuel poverty this is about people cutting hoppers of turf and flogging it and not declaring it. Increase the number of protected bogs and stiffen the penalties for those that abuse the law.

Don't speak too soon Clanrickard. You may be right as far as those raised bogs go in places like Laois and Offaly but remember the devastatioin that Bord na Mona has and is still doing to raised bogs for years. And....... the government has in recent years built twoNEW peat fired power stations - how does that make sense? Until the government stops turf cutting 100% you can't seriously expect to stop the small man instead. Of course, if there are any bogs left completely intact, there may be a case for preservation but as long as there is one rule for the corporates and the elite and one rule for the local farmer, nothing can or should be done. BNM should hand over all its current bogland to farmers with raised bogs rather than money as compensation exchanging hands. When is the government going to learn you can't buy everything. The Corrib Gas fiasco should have taught them that. What are they going to do next - send in Shell's private army, IRMS to beat the local people off the bogs?

[sauntersplash]

The State is gearing up to take on turf cutters on EU designated Special Areas of Conservation.
The turf cutters claim that compensation packages are not adequate and wish to cut turf for their own homes .For many turf cutters living in fairly poor rural areas and many on welfare payments ,
having access to their own fuel is important .
The State fears being fined by the EU if turf cutting is not ended and is adopting a hard line .
Rural communities are organised to take on the National Parks Service in its attempts to enforce the
ending of turf cutting.
Commercil style turf cutting is one thing, but it is ordinary people cutting from their own turf banks
who are now the focus for the enforcement of the ending of turf cutting in the SACs.

Has the state gone too far with these designations ?
what is so special about Irish raised bogs that rural communities are now in a face off with
conservationists ?
why cant the state come up with adequate compensation?

The sites were designated over 10 years ago
10 years! and in that time nothing has been done to sort the problem .
Its disgraceful.....

What's the big deal? What about people on welfare in cities? Where's their free turf?

And you can stop banging on about entitlements as well. Why do people who live in the country think everything they do is a god given right? Things change, society develops, keep up or you won't be happy.

[Boggle]

What's the big deal? What about people on welfare in cities? Where's their free turf?

And you can stop banging on about entitlements as well. Why do people who live in the country think everything they do is a god given right? Things change, society develops, keep up or you won't be happy.

If you want free turf then move to a bog.