“Co-operation not confrontation” is what is needed in dealing with the right of people to cut turf in bogs to provide fuel for themselves, according to Independent North-West MEP Marian Harkin.
Turf cutting is an issue of importance to many people in Galway, particularly in the east of the county and the MEP’s comments are likely to be welcomed by Galway turf cutters.
MEP Harkin said that while large scale cutting of bogs must be properly regulated, there is also a need to ensure “reasonable and equitable solutions” for people for whom turf cutting is “banned on their bogs”.
As a result the MEP is calling for permission to be given for such individuals to be allowed cut on bogs where cutting is permitted or compensation either in the form of money or of fuel provision.
On the issue of compensation, MEP Harkin stressed that the current amounts available were not adequate and “in no way reflected the value of the asset”. She has also appealed to the Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney not to cap the compensation at a 15 year term, and instead offer better compensation terms.
MEP Harkin has now requested a meeting with EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik to indicate that “we are in a negotiating process with turf cutters trying to find fair and reasonable solutions, and asking the Commission to assist us in this matter”.
