A former Clare county councillor has branded the debate around loosening the restrictions on selling turf a “red herring”.
A number of politicians have called for the measure as a potential short-term solution to the energy crisis.
The Government introduced regulations in October 2022 which restricted the commercial safe of turf in an attempt to improve air quality and reduce emissions.
At the time, over 68,000 households were still dependent on turf for heating, with households with turbary rights still allowed to cut and burn the fuel.
As oil prices rise, Aontú is calling on the Government to allow the sale of turf again, saying it’s “ludicrous to think that people are sitting freezing and afraid to turn on their heating while we have turf in this country that could be sold”.
Darragh-based former Green Party councillor Brian Meaney says Ireland needs to face up to the reality that its energy infrastructure isn’t being properly maintained.
Willie Hanrahan of the Clare branch of the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association says he’d support at least a temporary return to the commercial sale of turf.
He claims a package of measures is needed however.
You can listen to the full interview below.
