Feb 12
14
Harkin seeks equitable solution for Turfcutters
MEP Marian Harkin
Independent MEP Marian Harkin has called on the Irish government and the European Commission to immediately find a solution that will deliver a fair outcome for Turfcutters who are losing extraction rights on their family bogs.
Following a Brussels meeting between South Galway Turfcutters groups and officials from the Commission’s Environment Directorate, which took place at Harkin’s request, the North & West MEP urged the Irish government to do more to resolve the escalating stand-off – and to do so quickly.
Harkin noted that “the levels of compensation currently being proposed by the Irish government are totally inadequate” and do not come close to an equitable outcome for the Turfcutters concerned, who will be unable to cut fuel to heat their family homes under the new rules.
She added that “Ireland was given a 10 year derogation to implement the legislation, but maladministration by successive Irish governments delayed the process and failed to proactively engage with relevant stakeholders, including Turfcutters, in order to find an acceptable solution for all”.
”Because of this failure to act, the new government – with which I have some sympathy – has been forced to fast-track the implementation, but in doing so has thus far failed to find a decent solution for many Turfcutters”.
More time, more flexibility, better compensation Having heard from both parties, Harkin argued that “it is imperative that Minister Deenihan investigates the possibility of de-designating all or parts of certain bogs, i.e. those where Turfcutters have no alternative bogs available to them for cutting nearby, and then approach the European Commission about designating a sufficient amount of alternative bogs, which would ensure Ireland was still complying with EU law”.
”Alternatively,” she said, “the government could offer these Turfcutters an adequate amount of compensation, something that is certainly not happening at present”.
”The Commission, meanwhile, rather than blindly demand full compliance on the decreed day and hour, should demonstrate flexibility,” noted Harkin.
”If the Commission recognises that there is genuine intent on behalf of the Irish government to resolve this problem, then rather than impose immediate fines, it would recognise that progress is being made, and allow more time for a final solution to be found,” the Independent MEP concluded.
