EU Takes Further Legal Action Against Ireland For Cutting Turf In Conservation Areas

It says enforcement action by the Irish authorities "appears to have stalled" while Irish Rural Link say "compliance is high".

The European Commission has taken further legal action against Ireland for failing to halt the cutting of peat within Special Areas of Conservation.

It's calling on Ireland to take action to stop the ongoing cutting of peat in areas designated to conserve raised bogs and blanket bogs under the EU Habitats Directive. 

The EU says peat and turf cutting activities in these areas are still ongoing and enforcement action by the Irish authorities "appears to have stalled".

Ireland now has two months to respond to the Commission's latest legal proceedings - otherwise, it may decide to refer Ireland to the EU Court of Justice. 

Spokesperson for the European Commission, Adalbert Jahnz explains why they're taking further legal steps against Ireland:

However Irish Rural Link CEO Seamus Boland says with compliance on the issue relatively high, Ireland would have strong case if brought to court:

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