Speaking in recent days, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government John Gormley announced the establishment of a working group designed to examine and report on issues related to turf cutting in the country.

The Irish government is implementing a consultation strategy to ready itself for the phasing out of domestic turf cutting on certain raised bog Special Areas of Conservation and Natural Heritage Areas over the next few years.

He said bogland which is intact is a valuable long-term resource that acts as a carbon sink.

“Active or growing bogs take carbon from the atmosphere and store it. Restoring these bogs will be positive in terms of climate change mitigation,” Mr Gormley concluded.

Earlier this month, Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Michael Kitt spoke to the EU Common Form on contaminated land at a meeting held at Dublin Castle.

He said a framework for dealing with contaminated sites is important.

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe