Midlands turf cutting contractor fined for illegal extraction

A Midlands turf cutting contractor has been fined for cutting turf in a protected Natural Heritage Area Raised Bog, in a case brought before Nenagh District Court on February 9.

The case involved turf being extracted from Monaincha / Ballaghmore Natural Heritage Area raised bog without consent, contrary to Section 19 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 2000. The bog spans counties Laois and Tipperary. 

Mr. Pat McEvoy (51), of Blackbull, Birr, County Offaly pleaded guilty to the offence and Judge Elizabeth McGrath imposed a fine of €1,000.

A National Parks and Wildlife Service Divisional Manager outlined the evidence to the court. He explained to the judge that the site was designated as a Natural Heritage Area in 2005 for its unique raised bog habitat.  He confirmed to the court that turf could only be cut in the Natural Heritage Area with Ministerial consent and no such consent had been issued.

Down Memory Lane | Plenty of exciting talent and great photos as 2013 Longford Youth Factor ends on a high note

The NPWS Divisional Manager stated that on May 11 he was on a surveillance operation at Monaincha / Ballaghmore Bog NHA with a colleague. The Divisional Manager entered the bog at 7.30am witnessed the extraction and spreading of peat within the protected site.

When the Divisional Manager saw the machines begin to leave the site he approached the individuals involved in the operation. Having identified himself as an authorised person under the Wildlife Acts, the NPWS Officer requested a name and address from Mr. McEvoy which was initially refused. Mr. McEvoy subsequently gave his name and address to a member of An Garda Síochána when they arrived shortly afterwards.

BREAKING: Homeless man caught at wheel in Longford four times over legal limit threw punches, kicked and bit garda, court hears

A homeless man who threw punches, kicked and bit a garda on the hand after being caught at the wheel more than four times over the drink driving limit while also under the influence of cannabis, has walked free from court.

Judge Elizabeth McGrath imposed a €1,000 fine said she did not accept the defence that Mr McEvoy was unaware that the site was protected. She said that as a sod turf contractor with a number of years’ experience it was up to him to know where the protected sites were.