The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should be made the responsible body for all enforcement activities relating to illegal peat extraction.

That is among the recommendations contained in a new report from the Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy regarding illegal peat extraction.

The committee said the EPA needs to be given the appropriate powers and resources to pursue offenders.

It called for the under-resourcing of local authorities to be addressed, "given their inability to properly tackle illegal peat extraction".

It adds that support should be made available for targeted resources for enforcement, including aerial/satellite monitoring and drones.

Committee

In December, the committee met to discuss the issue of illegal commercial peat extraction.

The committee heard from the EPA and the Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC), along with representatives from Westmeath County Council and Offaly County Council.

In the report following those engagements, Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí, cathaoirleach of the committee, said:

"The widespread defiance of the law by those engaged in this activity raises serious concern about the willingness and capacity of relevant authorities to take appropriate enforcement action."

Illegal peat extraction

The report outlines 13 recommendations, including a new national monitoring programme for peatlands.

This would bring together EPA information, local authority reports, and aerial photography to prioritise active sites.

The report calls for legislative changes be introduced requiring commercial operators to prove lawful provenance for peat offered for sale or export, along with traceability obligations for retailers and importers.

The document recommended "harsher punishments for those found to be exporting illegally extracted peat".

However, the report noted that efforts should be made to ensure a "clamp-down" on illegal peat extraction "do not contribute to an increase in household electricity bills".

It added that enforcement should target commercial operators, rather than householders exercising lawful turbary rights.

The committee said that those who are illegally extracting peat should contribute towards the cost of the rehabilitation of damaged sites.

The report also said that research and industry transition plans for peat-free horticulture should be "accelerated, with clear timelines and accountability".

It added that retail peat products for gardening should be phased out.