UK Gardeners Often Argue That Peat Is Still Dug For Horticulture in Eire. Is It? Here’re The Irish Peat Facts.
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I hear arguments about unlimited peat use in Eire every time the UK peat ban is mentioned. But what is fact and what is myth and wishful thinking?
I went to Eire to check for myself. Peat legislation in Ireland (Éire) has evolved significantly in recent years, driven by same environmental concerns raised in the UK, climate targets, and EU obligations. Below is a detailed overview of key peat-related laws, policies, and regulations in Ireland.
Irish Environmental Protection and Peat Extraction
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Licensing
Industrial Peat Extraction: Large-scale peat extraction (over 50 hectares) requires an Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) License from the EPA under the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 and Environmental Protection Agency (Industrial Emissions) Regulations 2013.
Smaller-Scale Extraction: Smaller operations may require planning permission from local authorities under the Planning and Development Act 2000.
2022 High Court Ruling
In 2022, the High Court ruled that all peat extraction (regardless of scale) requires planning permission and EPA licensing if it has significant environmental impacts. This decision tightened regulation of unlicensed peat harvesting.
Ban on Horticultural Peat Extraction
2021 Legislation: In response to a 2019 High Court ruling, the government introduced the European Union (Birds and Natural Habitats) (Peat Extraction) Regulations 2021, effectively banning new peat extraction on raised bogs designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).
2023 Ban: A full ban on the sale of horticultural peat came into effect in September 2023, with limited exemptions for licensed operations. This aims to protect biodiversity and reduce carbon emissions.
Bord na Móna Transition
This is the biggie. The Irish “Peat Board” has effectively disappeared. Read this amazing turn around.
Bord na Móna, After digging peat for so long Ireland’s semi-state peat company, ceased all peat harvesting in 2021 as part of its Brown to Green Strategy, shifting focus to renewable energy, biodiversity, and peatland rehabilitation.
Peatland Conservation and Restoration
Raised Bog SACs: Over 50 raised bogs are protected under the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). The National Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation Management Plan 2017–2022 guides restoration efforts.
Peatlands Climate Action Scheme (PCAS): Funded under the Climate Action Fund, this €108 million program (2021–2030) aims to rehabilitate 33,000 hectares of peatlands to sequester carbon and restore ecosystems.
EU and Climate Policy Drivers
EU Nature Restoration Law: Proposed EU legislation (2023) will require Ireland to restore 30% of degraded peatlands by 2030.
Climate Action Plan 2023: Includes peatland rewetting as a key measure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (peat decomposition accounts for ~4% of Ireland’s emissions).
Domestic Heating and Fuel Regulations
Smoky Coal Ban: While focused on air quality, the Solid Fuel Regulations (2022) indirectly impact peat use by restricting the sale of smoky fuels, including wet peat.
Carbon Tax: Peat used for fuel is subject to Ireland’s carbon tax (€48.50 per tonne CO₂ as of 2024), discouraging its use.
Key Challenges and Controversies
Legal Challenges: Peat extractors and horticultural businesses have contested bans, arguing economic impacts (e.g., Westland Horticulture Ltd v. An Bord Pleanála, 2021).
Transition Delays: Alternatives like imported peat or coir (coconut fiber) are not yet fully scaled, affecting Ireland’s horticulture sector.
Sources for Further Information
Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage: www.gov.ie
