EPA Prosecutes an Unlicensed Peat Operator

Hearing Date: February 03, 2023

On the 3rd February 2023 the Environmental Protection Agency prosecuted an unlicensed peat operator, at Athlone District Court. 

The unlicensed peat operator pleaded guilty to the following offences:

  1. That he did, on or about the 21st day of July 2022 at or about Blyry Lower, Tullycross in the County of Westmeath, carry out an activity, namely the extraction of peat in the course of business which involves an area exceeding 50 hectares, without there being a licence or revised licence in force in relation to the said activity, in contravention of Section 82(2) of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 (as amended).
  2. That he did, on or about the 12th day of May 2022 at or about Blyry Lower, Tullycross in the County of Westmeath, carry out an activity, namely the extraction of peat in the course of business which involves an area exceeding 50 hectares, without there being a licence or revised licence in force in relation to the said activity, in contravention of Section 82(2) of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 (as amended).
  3. That he did, on or about the 5th day of May 2022 at or about Blyry Lower, Tullycross in the County of Westmeath, carry out an activity, namely the extraction of peat in the course of business which involves an area exceeding 50 hectares, without there being a licence or revised licence in force in relation to the said activity, in contravention of Section 82(2) of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 (as amended).

Judge Owens, having heard the evidence, convicted the unlicensed peat operator on Charges 1 and 2 above and took Charge 3 into consideration.  She imposed fines totalling €3,000 (€2,000 for Charge 1 and €1,000 for Charge 2).  Costs of €4,789 were also awarded.