merrion street

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is appealing for information on recent unauthorised turf-cutting, which took place at the protected Moneybeg bog, Clareisland Bog and specifically Ross bog, near Lough Sheelin in Counties Meath and Westmeath. These bogs are Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), or prime flora and fauna conservation areas, considered to be highly important on an Irish and European level.

Concerned local landowners and turbary right holders have confirmed to the NPWS that no permission was given to any individuals or contractors to enter or cut turf on their protected land. The damage to the Special Area of Conservation and the site infringement is currently under investigation by the Gardaí. Anyone with information should contact Castlepollard Garda Station on 044 9661112.

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan T.D. said: “Land-owners have brought to my Department’s attention that turf has been cut on their bog plots without permission. For the sake of the preservation of these precious sites, I ask that people will bring any such unauthorised cutting to the attention of the Gardaí.”