It has emerged that Bord na Mona is to seek consent from An Bord Pleanála for historic peat extraction at the Garryhinch and Garrymore bogs.
The bogs form part of the Allen Bog Group.
Bord na Mona say that the purpose of the application is to seek to “regularise the planning status of the peat extraction works and all associated bog development works that were carried out within these parts of the Allen Bog Group.”
Peat extraction work undertaken by the Allen Bog Group consist of bog development works and clearance and excavations to facilitate peat extraction.
Industrial scale peat extraction, which began at the bog in the early 1950’s, ceased extraction in 2020.
Independent TD for Laois Offaly, Carol Nolan has said she will be engaging with Bord na regarding their correspondence on the matter with local residents.
“I want very clear answers from Bord na Mona on this matter, especially with respect to what it means when it speaks about its intent to ‘regularise the planning status,'” Deputy Nolan said.
“Is this an effective admission from Bord na Mona that the actions it has taken around peat extractions and indeed rewetting have rested on a dubious or indeed non-existent legal basis in terms of planning permission?
“Urgent clarity is needed on this matter and it must be provided immediately.”
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