Ireland Peat Bogs: Climate vs. Tradition
- In rural Ireland, the traditional practice of peat harvesting for fuel is increasingly at odds with environmental concerns and climate change mitigation efforts.
- John Smyth, a lifelong turf cutter, sees the tradition as under threat from urban-driven policies.
- “The people that are coming up with plans to stop people from buying turf or from burning turf … They don’t know what it’s like to live in...
Ireland’s long-held tradition of peat harvesting, a source of fuel for generations, now clashes head-on with the urgent need to combat climate change. This article examines the evolving relationship between rural Irish communities and the environmental movement, as the EU pressures Ireland to cut carbon emissions. John Smyth and others share their perspectives on the shift away from “turf” and it’s impact on their way of life. Industrial scale peat harvesting has decimated Ireland’s bogs. News Directory 3 keeps a close eye on environmental regulations and how ireland may pay billions in fines for not meeting its carbon reduction targets. Discover what’s next for Ireland as it seeks a enduring future.
Ireland’s Peat Harvesting Tradition Clashes with Climate Goals
Updated June 09, 2025
In rural Ireland, the traditional practice of peat harvesting for fuel is increasingly at odds with environmental concerns and climate change mitigation efforts. For generations,families have relied on “turf,” as the harvested peat is known,as a cheap energy source,but the environmental cost is now under scrutiny.
John Smyth, a lifelong turf cutter, sees the tradition as under threat from urban-driven policies. He and others view these policies as detached from the realities of rural life, where peat remains a vital and affordable fuel source.
“The people that are coming up with plans to stop people from buying turf or from burning turf … They don’t know what it’s like to live in rural Ireland,” Smyth said.
Smyth acknowledges a generational shift, with younger people less inclined to continue the labor-intensive tradition. Despite this, turf remains a necessity for those unable to afford more expensive alternatives like gas or electricity. Smyth spends about 800 euros ($906) annually on turf, considerably less than the average Irish household energy bill.
Centuries ago, peat became a crucial fuel source in Ireland due to the scarcity of coal and forests. however, large-scale industrial harvesting in the 20th century decimated vast areas of bogland. Estimates indicate that Ireland has lost over 70% of its blanket bog and more than 80% of its raised bogs.
Environmentalists pushed for change, leading to EU directives listing bogs as priority habitats in the 1990s. In 2015, Bord na Mona, a semi-state peat harvesting firm, announced plans to transition to renewable energy and end peat extraction. A ban on the sale of peat for burning followed in 2022, with exceptions for personal use under “turbary rights.”
Despite regulations, commercial harvesting persists due to weak enforcement. In 2023, 350,000 tonnes of peat were exported, primarily for horticulture. The European Commission has referred Ireland to the European Court of Justice for inadequate bog protection and restoration efforts.
Ireland risks billions in fines for failing to meet its 2030 carbon reduction target. Degraded peatlands contribute significantly to Ireland’s carbon emissions, releasing 21.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, according to a 2022 UN report.
The Irish government reports that turf-cutting has ceased on nearly 80% of raised bog conservation areas as 2011.Bord na Mona is tasked with “rewetting” the bogs to restore natural ecosystems and transform them back into carbon sinks. The company reports restoring approximately 20,000 hectares of its 80,000-hectare target.
What’s next
Ireland continues to navigate the complex challenge of preserving its cultural heritage of peat harvesting while striving to meet stringent environmental targets and reduce its carbon footprint. The future will likely involve a mix of bog restoration, renewable energy development, and support for rural communities transitioning away from traditional peat use.