Hackett hits out at 'scaremongering' on turf sale ban

Minister Pippa Hackett has hit out what she described as “scaremongering and misinformation” across the Midlands on the issue of the sale of turf.

Minister Hackett said there is currently a draft Clean Air Strategy open for public consultation. Draft regulations on the sale of solid fuel are referenced in this strategy, she said.

She stressed that she is not in favour of a ban on small scale gifting of turf.

“I have asked Minister Eamon Ryan to clarify the situation re the distribution of small amounts of turf to family members and neighbours, where there are turbary rights. I am in favour of a ban on commercial scale extraction and sale of turf as this contributes to air pollution in the more urban areas.

“I know that many households in the Midlands, and most of all Offaly, rely on turf from these providers and I have asked Minister Ryan and my Government colleagues to consider solutions to this in advance of the coming winter. I will continue to work on this.

She said the Clean Air Strategy is a public health measure, necessary to address ill health and death associated with poor air quality, which she described as “indisputable”.

She said at the moment the strategy and regulations are in draft form.

Hackett went on to add: “The draft strategy states ‘Turf cutting by citizens for use in their own homes is a traditional activity […] Measures are required to reduce the emissions associated with burning peat but which respect these traditions.’

‘No ban on its burning will be introduced, but a regulatory provision will be made to prohibit the marketing, sale or distribution of sod peat. This approach will facilitate those with turbary rights to continue to cut and burn sod peat for their own domestic purposes, while also reducing the use of sod peat in urban areas.’

She said she agreed with this approach to include allowances for small scale distribution to family and neighbours in rural areas.

The Green Party Senator also encouraged people to check relatively new eligibility criteria for fuel allowance (Citizen's Information) . If you qualify for Fuel Allowance and certain other social welfare payments, you also qualify for 100% funded home energy upgrades.

Look into individual measures for improving the energy efficiency of your home. With grants for insulation of up to 80% (SEAI home energy grants) please don't decide you can't afford it until you have priced it and considered the reduction in costs / bills.

“I say all of the above aware of the necessary and urgent need to conserve and restore or rehabilitate as much of our bogland as possible in our struggle to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.”