Minister of State ‘alarmed’ by Varadkar comments on turf cutting

Minister of State Ossian Smyth has said he was surprised and alarmed when he heard comments by Tánaiste Leo Varadkar that proposals on turf cutting could be paused.

“Paused was not the right word” as the agreement was that commercial “stripping” of bogs would end but that individual turbary rights would continue, Mr Smyth told RTÉ radio’s Today with Claire Byrne show.

The clear intention was that the commercial distribution of turf for profit would stop but that small-scale sale between neighbours would not be impacted, he added.

People would continue to have the right to cut their own turf. It was a cultural tradition and was important for some people to keep warm. Small-scale cutting and buying was not a problem, said Mr Smyth.

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However, there has been continued criticism of the plan from some rural TDs, with Michael Fitzmaurice, who is also chairman of the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association, accusing the Government of not knowing “what it is talking about” with regard to the issue.

The current proposals would produce a situation for families “the same as if you were growing and selling cannabis”, he said.