PRESS RELEASE
18.3.2026
Swift action needed to stop illegal peat extraction
Following the publication of the recommendations regarding illegal peat extraction from the Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy the Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC) welcome the recommendations but encourages swift action towards the next phase of presenting the recommendations to the Houses of the Oireachtas ensuring the momentum for change continues.
Cathaoirleach, Naoise Ó Muirí, of the Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy echoed the Irish Peatland Conservation Council’s own views that ‘illegal commercial peat extraction is having a detrimental effect on Ireland’s biodiversity and undermining progress toward our climate targets’. These recommendations followed the publication of results from an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report, June 2025, that highlighted 38 large scale peat extraction operators across seven counties were operating outside planning and environmental law and a committee meeting with engagement from representatives including the EPA, IPCC and Westmeath and Offaly County Councils, December 2025. The IPCC caution that these illegal peat extraction operations do not relate to extraction of peat as a domestic fuel. It is the Irish Peatland Conservation Council understanding that the peat mined from these large scale illegal extraction sites is being exported, with no tracing or known end location for use in horticulture and agricultural activities.
The recommendations are welcomed by the IPCC as they propose to introduce legislative changes requiring commercial operators to prove lawful provenance for peat offered for sale or export. Traceability obligations for retailers and importers alongside harsher punishments for those found to be exporting illegally extracted peat have also been recommended.
The Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy have also recommended the need for a national monitoring programme for peatlands using the information from the EPA, Local Authorities and aerial photography to prioritise sites. The Committee further recommended that retail peat products for gardening be phased out and encourages industries that are peat-reliant, such as horticulture and agriculture, to transition from the use of such a finite resource, with a clear list of actions and timelines be produced for this transition.
Over 80% of Irish peatland habitat has been cutaway and degraded by human activity. Peatlands offer us many ecosystem services including being the largest store of terrestrial carbon and a haven for biodiversity. The Irish Peatland Conservation Council are aware that amendments to legislation, as recommended, may take some time but also are very concerned that as the later spring and summer months approach these illegal large scale peat operations will continue for another year. Illegal peat extraction operations should not be accepted or allowed to continue for another year.
The Irish Peatland Conservation Council encourage each member of the public to help by choosing peat free in their gardens, report concerns about large scale peat development in your local community to your local authority and let your local councillors and politicians know you want to see change for peatlands.
Editors Notes:
The Irish Peatland Conservation Council is a registered charity (CHY6829) that works towards the conservation of a representative sample of Irish peatlands for people to enjoy today and in the future. Based at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre in Co. Kildare. You can learn more by visiting www.ipcc.ie
Footage of the Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy proceedings can be accessed at https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/committees/33/environment-and-climate-action/videos/
Transcripts of Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy debates can be found at https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/committees/33/environment-and-climate-action/debates/