Turf cutting ban lifted on local bogs

The government has lifted the ban on turf cutting on Nure Bog outside Castletown-Geoghegan.

In 2010 the owners of the 100 plots at the bog, which is located between Lillyput and Castletown-Geoghegan, were directed to cease cutting turf as part of an EU led directive to protect Ireland’s raised bog network.

However, following a review of Ireland’s National Heritage Areas (NHA), it was decided to lift the ban at 45 bogs including Nure and part of the Ballynagrenia and Ballinderry Bog outside Moate.

The move has been welcomed by Cllr Colm Arthur who organised a meeting between Nure plot owners and an official from the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

“I made a strong case for them and it was easy to make as there was no alternative bog within a reasonable distance. You were looking at going 20 or 30 miles.”

At the announcement of the lifting of the ban, Minster Jimmy Deenihan said it would benefit 2,500 plot owners.

“For all our benefit, we need to protect and preserve a sample of these for ourselves and future generations, whilst also working with communities that are affected by conservation requirements.”