Sligo site identified in major investigation into illegal peat extraction

A site in County Sligo has been identified as part of a major investigation into suspected illegal peat extraction.

The Environmental Protection Agency has opened scores of investigations at bogs across the country.

According to today's Irish Independent, drone footage and aerial maps had been passed on for 38 sites of particular concern with one in Sligo and six in Roscommon.

Files released by the agency show clear evidence of large-scale commercial peat extraction – all believed to be unauthorised.

That is despite a ban on the commercial sale of peat for solid fuel heating and the restriction of peat-cutting for other purposes.