Cold spell highlights importance of turf - Jones

The cold weather “emphasised the critical role turf is playing for many families, particularly the elderly, who rely on it for heating and cooking”.

That’s according to Cllr David Jones, who says that people are now seeing the impact of the ban on the retail sale of turf introduced by Minister for the Environment Eamon Ryan in 2022.

“Many people would have be lost without turf in the harsh weather. It’s provided warmth and comfort when they need it the most. This [the ban on the retail sale of turf] was the wrong move, at the wrong time, penalising the wrong people.”

During visits to elderly constituents, Cllr Jones found many were hesitant to burn turf due to fears about the proposed ban and they were paying “a hefty price for alternative fuels”.

“Turf has always been the cheapest form of heating not to see prices spiral over the years while timber is next to near impossible to get and can sometimes have a high price tag as suppliers are under pressure to meet needs, and many are forced to raise prices due to higher transportation costs,” said Cllr Jones.

“Also, the delay in felling licences being issued means that some suppliers are importing timber to sell.

“The government are punishing communities who rely on turf instead of introducing measures to support them in transitioning away from this form of heating in a fair and sustainable way.” Cllr Jones also criticised the government approach to bog preservation: “It is alarming to see the government allow the EU to dictate how we can preserve our bog lands, while simultaneously having no issue with industrial wind farms destroying bogs across the country. This inconsistency highlights a lack of genuine concern for our environment and communities who do minimal damage to heat their homes.”

He added that similar to the carbon tax increases, the ban disproportionately affects those on lower incomes and residents in rural areas, while failing to target major polluters. “Turf prices are the only prices that have not dramatically increased. Over the years, I have witnessed neighbours support each other, sharing spare loads of turf with elderly neighbours in need,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of preserving the tradition. “Annually, I have attended the Drumcree Bog Festival hosted by John Kane, which has raised funds for local charities. The passion of those participating in turf cutting with a sleán at the event is evident. It’s a tradition that connects communities to their past, even though machinery is now used in most parts of Ireland, as it has made the process easier,” he said, jokingly adding, “until something breaks down and you’re out with the spanners!”.