Why is turf cutting bad for the environment?

A “staggering” 53 out of 89 blanket bogs listed as special areas of conservation have felt the effects of turf cutting. The Council notes that about 57,400 tonnes of carbon is stored each year by intact bogs. Draining reverses this, releasing stored carbon and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Is turf cutting banned in Ireland?

TURF will no longer be cut on 54 EU designated habitat sites after a last minute deal was struck between turf cutters and the Irish Peatlands Council. Cutting turf on 31 raised bogs has already been banned by the EU and the ban is due to be extended to 24 more by the end of the year.

Is turf cutting sustainable?

Though the practice of cutting turf is centuries if not thousands of years old, and still takes place in several countries, there is growing recognition that burning it for fuel is not sustainable. Peat is a highly carbon-inefficient fuel, more so even than coal.

Can I cut turf?

Tools for cutting artificial turf can be very useful. For this, we can use large scissors, although the ideal is to use an industrial cutter, with the blades in proportion to the thickness of the turf. This kind of cutter can cut in a very simple way. At the same time, cutting can be done as quickly as possible.

Is it legal to sell turf?

It is not a right to cut and sell turf. The person with the right does not acquire any other right in the land from which the turf is being taken. It is not uncommon that a right of turbary is generally in common with others, so you will not be the only person to cut turf from the plot.

Is turf cutting bad?

All turf-cutting is bad for bogs as it lowers the water table and dries them out. In 1999, the implementation of the EU’s Habitats Directive in Ireland should have seen an end to turf-cutting on the most valuable midland raised bogs that were designated as Special Areas of Conservation.

Is turf unique to Ireland?

Peat, cut and dried for fuel, is known as turf in Ireland. The Irish government says the boglands are unique in Europe, with a wealth of wildlife and fauna, and are part of the country’s heritage and landscape. But some families who have cut turf on bogs for generations are incensed.

Can I cut turf after 2 weeks?

Your new lawn will probably need its first cut about 3 weeks after you laid your turf. If the turf lifts up – wait and try again in a few days-time. If you end up with a handful of grass clippings, then it’s OK to bring out the mower. Make sure your mower blades are as sharp as sharp can be.

What is right of turbary?

Turbary is the ancient right to cut turf, or peat, for fuel on a particular area of bog. Turbary rights, which are more fully expressed legally as common of turbary, are often associated with commonage, or, in some cases, rights over another person’s land.

Why are people not allowed to cut their own turf?

For them, turf cutting is a tradition handed down over centuries from family member to family member, and preventing people from cutting turf on their own land, for domestic use, is unfair and leaves people without fuel. The TCCA proposes the following solution: Relocation to a nearby good quality bog.

Who are the Irish Turf cutters and Contractors Association?

The Irish Turf Cutters’ and Contractors’ Association was founded in 1998 by Paddy Concannon. Its members oppose the ban and have protested numerous times around Ireland about the situation. The government has offered turf cutters compensation of €1000 per year for 15 years.

When did the right to cut turf start in Ireland?

Turbary, or the right of private individuals to cut turf for domestic use, has taken place in Ireland since the 15th century. The Irish Turf Cutters’ and Contractors’ Association was founded in 1998 by Paddy Concannon.

How much do turf cutters get paid in Ireland?

Its members oppose the ban and have protested numerous times around Ireland about the situation. The government has offered turf cutters compensation of €1000 per year for 15 years. Just under €200,000 was paid out in 2010 to ensure those affected had the means to provide alternative winter fuel.