PRESS RELEASE
The Irish Peatland Conservation Council welcome the European Commission’s decision to refer Ireland to the European Court of Justice
4.6.2026
The Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC) has welcomed the European Commission’s decision to refer Ireland to the European Court of Justice for its continued failure to properly implement Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directives in relation to large‑scale peat extraction.
The Commission’s action follows years of concern over the environmental damage caused by unregulated industrial peat extraction, damage that extends beyond the destruction of peatland habitats. The IPCC warns that the impacts include severe degradation of Ireland’s rivers, lakes, and wider ecosystems, undermining national efforts to address the Climate and Biodiversity Emergency declared by the Government in 2019.
“Industrial peat extraction continues to operate without environmental oversight, and the consequences are felt across our landscapes and waterways,” said Tristram Whyte, Policy Officer for the Irish Peatland Conservation Council. “Seven years after Ireland formally recognised the Climate and Biodiversity Emergency, we are still allowing unregulated industrial mining to proceed, despite its well‑documented environmental impacts. The Commission’s decision is a necessary and overdue step towards reversing biodiversity decline.”
The referral comes just months after the IPCC addressed the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy in December 2025, where the organisation presented evidence of ongoing illegal peat extraction and its ecological consequences. Following that hearing, the Committee issued 13 recommendations to Government aimed at strengthening enforcement, restoring damaged peatlands, and ensuring compliance with EU environmental law.
The IPCC is now calling on the Government to urgently implement these recommendations, emphasising that meaningful action is essential to reverse decades of habitat loss, protect water quality, and meet Ireland’s climate obligations.
“This is a pivotal moment,” Tristram added. “Ireland must demonstrate that it takes its environmental responsibilities seriously. Implementing the Committee’s recommendations and enforcing existing environmental law are critical steps toward safeguarding our peatlands and the biodiversity they support.”
Editors notes:
The Irish Peatland Conservation Council is a registered charity (CHY6829, RCN 20013547) who’s mission is to conserve a representative sample of Irish peatlands for people to enjoy today and in the future.
For interviews or images contact:
Irish Peatland Conservation Council
Lullymore
Rathangan
Co. Kildare
R51 V293
045 860133
bogs@ipcc.ie