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Inishowen returns to turf as oil
soars
30.05.08
PEOPLE in Inishowen are
returning to 'the hill' to cut turf as oil prices
soar, according to a local senator.
And turf cutters in the peninsula can continue
harvesting the peat fuel for their own personal use
and must cut by hand.
Senator Cecilia Keaveney received clarification on
the turf-cutting issue this week from Rural Affairs
Minister Eamon Ó Cuiv. |
"He confirmed that no
one will be forced to stop cutting the blanket bog
for their own use but they should not use the
machine. There had been some mis-information coming
back to me that all turf cutting was ceasing and
this was all to do with Europe.
"The clarification is that raised bogs, which are a
small number of bogs |
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in some counties other
than Donegal, are being protected. Those who would
have cut in raised bogs are being bought out.
However, in Donegal, we have blanket bogs and the
only form of protection is that turf is to be cut
for personal use and the sausage machine is not
acceptable for environmental reasons," explained
Senator Keaveney. |
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She stressed that there
was no buy-out scheme planned for Donegal's blanket
bog turf cutters.
"This clarification will relieve many people who
have been eager to get back to cutting turf as other
fuel sources rise in price.
"This is very important also for people who see hand
cut turf as more environmentally friendly |
than other fuels.
Indeed those cutting turf over recent weeks have
experienced great weather for the job and it is easy
to spot those who have done some time on the hill
with their tans.
"They also would say that the hills have never been
busier with many returning to the old reliable.
However, there is no easy day on the hill and it may
be a while before we can sell it as a tourism 'Day
Out'," quipped Senator Keaveney. |
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