For generations, cutting peat—locally called “turf”—has been a key part of rural Irish life, providing an affordable, accessible heating source for many families. But peat harvesting has a steep environmental price: peatlands are major carbon stores, and draining or cutting them releases vast amounts of carbon dioxide, fueling climate change. Ireland has lost over 70% of its blanket bogs and 80% of raised bogs due to decades of peat extraction and industrial use, making the country one of the largest per capita emitters of greenhouse gases from peatlands in Europe.
To address this, the Irish government and semi-state company Bord na Móna have launched extensive bog restoration projects, including rewetting about 20,000 hectares so far, aiming for 80,000 hectares of restoration to bring back peatlands’ carbon absorption capacity. However, these efforts face significant hurdles: local communities fear loss of livelihoods and the fading of cultural traditions tied to turf cutting, while political resistance remains strong. Additionally, the European Commission has taken Ireland to the EU Court of Justice over illegal peat cutting in protected areas, emphasizing the urgency of enforcing environmental protections.
Beyond cultural concerns, experts warn that continued peat extraction risks not only carbon emissions but also long-term impacts on groundwater levels and soil health, potentially affecting agriculture and local water supplies. Economically, some farmers and turf cutters rely on peat both for personal use and income, making the transition to alternative fuels and land uses a complex social challenge. While peat remains a cheap fuel option, government schemes encouraging a switch to renewable heating solutions are gradually gaining ground. Balancing these economic realities with Ireland’s climate commitments remains a delicate and urgent task. More