Gardai are investigating unauthorised turf cutting on protected bogs in Meath and Westmeath.
The turf-cutting took place without permission from landowners in the Moneybeg, Clareisland and Ross bogs - which are all special conservation areas 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 National Parks and Wildlife Service 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 is asked to 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.”
