EPA: 44 Bogland Sites in 7 Counties See Unauthorised Peat Extraction; Only 1 Council Acts
The EPA reported unauthorised peat extraction at 44 sites in seven counties, with only Longford County Council taking enforcement action. Deputy Director Tom Ryan stated these illegal operations, driven by profit, are destroying the environment. Ireland exported 370,000 tonnes of peat in 2025, valued at €40 million, despite committee claims that EPA actions harm businesses.
The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) informed an Oireachtas committee that 44 bogland sites across seven counties — Offaly, Kildare, Tipperary, Westmeath, Roscommon, Longford, and Sligo — have experienced unauthorised peat extraction. However, only Longford County Council has commenced enforcement action, implementing a county-wide plan.
EPA deputy director Tom Ryan stated the agency shared intelligence, including coordinates and aerial photography, with local authorities. The EPA conducted 226 inspections between 2021 and 2026. Ryan highlighted that illegal operations are driven by significant monetary gain, destroying the environment and leaving damaged landscapes.
In 2025, Ireland exported an estimated 370,000 tonnes of peat, valued at almost €40 million, primarily to Northern Ireland (43%), Britain (28%), and the Netherlands (26%). Committee members, including TDs Paul Daly, Joe Flaherty, and Danny Healy-Rae, questioned the EPA, claiming its actions were closing family businesses. Some members also disputed export figures, suggesting peat contained other materials. Ryan clarified the EPA enforces environmental laws agreed by the Oireachtas and acknowledges a need for some horticultural peat extraction, particularly for mushroom growing.