Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice met with the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, and some of his senior officials, to discuss concerns around domestic turf cutting this week.
“I sought the meeting to clarify the situation and the minister, along with his officials, confirmed that domestic turf cutters who cut turf to burn in their own fires in their own homes have no need to be concerned.
“They highlighted that the primary concern is around air quality levels and that the public consultation is just a step towards addressing the matter.
“As part of the consultation, there is a proposal to regulate the sale of fuels – such as briquettes, coal and timber – when it comes to their moisture levels or smoke content levels.
“As was confirmed recently by Bord na Mona, it was noted that the sale of briquettes would be phased out eventually. The timeline for ceasing production has been confirmed by Bord na Mona as 2024, with a potential for sales to stretch into 2025. Issues around the sale of wet timber were also addressed at the meeting with the minister and his officials and advisers,” Deputy Fitzmaurice said.
The Independent TD warned Minister Ryan that the Government would face an enormous backlash if efforts were made to ban the cutting and burning of turf.
“I informed the minister of my belief that the number of households cutting and burning turf domestically would decrease of its own accord in the next decade or so, as people move towards alternative technologies such as air-to-water to heat their homes,” Deputy Fitzmaurice said.
“Having liaised with members of the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association, they are satisfied with the clarification and agreed to closely monitor developments with the consultation.
“As has always been their view, people who cut turf to burn in their own fire in their own home do not represent a major threat to the environment and people throughout the country will continue to defend their right to this tradition,” he added before confirming that he had would seek a commitment form Bord na Mona that it would continue to maintain boundary drains around bogs to prevent flooding.
