It follows a new EPA report released on peat milling this morning.
The EPA should be supporting county councils instead of threatening to bring them to court.
That's what Offaly's newly installed Cathaoirleach John Leahy is saying after the State agency branded the actions of local authorities in relation to illegal large scale peat extraction as 'patently inadequate'.
A new report from the Environmental Protection Agency says catastrophic damage is being done natural environments across the midlands due to intensive, industrial scale peat milling.
300,000 tonnes of peat is being exported to a value of around €40m every year.
Independent rep John Leahy says it would be better if the EPA supported county councils instead of persecuting them:
The EPA believes county councils have all the tools they need to enforce environmental laws around illegal peat extraction.
Director of the EPA's Office of Environmental Enforcement, Dr Tom Ryan, says the ball is in the council's court:
€114m Westmeath Wastewater Upgrade Complete
Mary O’Rourke Praised As “Hard Working” At Bridge Naming Ceremony
No Mini Budget Planned Despite Pressure Over Fuel And Energy Prices
Africa Day Celebrations Kick Off Across The Midlands
Tánaiste Hails ‘Proof’ Of Help to Buy Scheme Success Across The Midlands
Westmeath Woman Recounts Israeli Interception
Man Charged In Connection With Fatal Offaly House Fire
Mercosur Trade Deal Kicks Into Action Ahead Of European Court Ruling
Westmeath Woman "Deeply Ashamed" Of Spitting Incident
Taoiseach Pays Tribute To Mary O'Rourke At Bridge Dedication
Midlands Walking Club Celebrates 30th Anniversary This Weekend
OPW Minister Wants "Grown Ups" To Resolve Children's Science Museum Fallout
Offaly TD Criticises VAT Disparity For Beauty And Nail Salons
Laois Council Launches Clinics For Vacant Home Grants
Former Children's TV Presenter Revisits Midlands Towns On Nostalgic Journey
€7m Shannon Callows Flood Plans Facing Key Hurdles
Appeal Lodged Against New Lidl Development In Laois
Housing Completions Jump Sharply In Laois In Early 2026
Bressie To Perform At Oprah Winfrey Dublin Show
Daniel Kinahan To Be Held In Laois Prison