We must defend turfcutters and rural way of life - Mayo election candidate

A MOVE by the European Commission to refer Ireland to the EU Court of Justice for allegedly not doing enough to protect bogs has been criticised by Aontú candidate for Claremorris, Paul Lawless.

Mr. Lawless commented: “Effectively the European Commission wants the government to step up its assault on turfcutters and the rural way of life through this latest action. In the last 10 years, rural communities have faced strict cessation of turfcutting activities in around 80% of areas of raised bog.

“Rural communities in Mayo have faced an onslaught of regulation and degradation to an institution in turfcutting that has long been relied on for both private homes and the local economy and now we are seeing what will essentially be another clampdown by the government who refuse to defend them.

“Aontú will stand by families and communities on this issue - especially when much of it is being dictated by Green Ministers who have a lengthy record of taking long haul flights in contravention of their own climate change mantra.”