Illegal peat extraction in 44 bogs countrywide, but action taken by only one council (opens original article in a new tab)

Unauthorised peat extraction has occurred in 44 bogland sites across seven counties, but only one local authority has taken enforcement action, according to the Environment Protection Agency.

• Unauthorised peat extraction occurred in 44 bogland sites across seven counties
• Only Longford County Council initiated enforcement actions against illegal peat extraction
• The EPA reported 226 enforcement inspections of peat activities between 2021 and 2026
• Export data showed 370,000 tonnes of peat exported in 2025, valued at €40 million