Concerns at proposed turf burning ban highlighted at Mayo meeting

A BAG of turf took centre stage at a meeting of Mayo County Council as concern continues over a proposed burning ban and inspections at homes.

Louisburgh Councillor Chris Maxwell arrived at council headquarters yesterday with the bag of turf on his back to highlight concerns and seek clarity on what is happening.

Hundreds of people have been in touch with him regarding draft legislation, he said, with his independent grouping colleague Councillor Patsy O'Brien saying there is confusion and elderly people especially are worried they may no longer be able to burn turf.

He called on the government not to do anything further that would stop people burning turf or timber in their own homes, a call that received support.

Aontú Councillor Paul Lawless described the proposed legislation as one of the greatest attacks on rural and elderly people, saying it was the last sting of the dying wasp of the Green Party.

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne (Ind.) said there were proposals passed by government to outlaw the bag of turf that was in front of them in the council chamber, and giving powers to the local authority to enforce it, 'and bring in the heating police'.

FF and FG might blame the Greens but it would not have gone through if they did not support it, he commented.

Cathaoirleach Councillor John O'Hara (Fine Gael) said he supported the turf-cutters, saying cutting will come to an end itself once other alternatives are in place.

But now, a lot of people depend on it and he supported the proposal.

Councillor Damien Ryan (Fianna Fáil) said there was no certainty that this was going to proceed but they would ask the government to desist from any further legislation which prohibits the domestic burning of turf.

Councillor Maxwell was asked by Councillor Peter Flynn if he had a conflict of interest in this matter, but Councillor Richard Finn informed him that ordinary people have to have someone to cut their turf for him, same as going to the shop for a pint of milk.

Councillors Maxwell and O'Brien voiced their frustrations in the council foyer prior to the meeting.

Watch video here: