Midlands sites were highlighted for illegal peat extraction.
There's calls for enhanced powers to help the Environmental Protection Agency tackle illegal peat extraction in Ireland.
The European Commission is referring Ireland to the European Court of Justice for failure to comply with EU rules on environmental impact assessments.
Last year an EPA report cited nine sites in Offaly and eight in Westmeath for engaging in illegal peat extraction.
An EPA licence is required for the extraction of peat from sites of more than 50 hectares.
Tristram Whyte from the Irish Peatland Conservation Council hopes the government will improve on its enforcement measures:
Climate and Science Correspondent for The Irish Times, Caroline O'Doherty says local authorities have failed to enforce measures on smaller sites:
Westmeath Business Wins €15k Award For Supporting Irish Business
€1bn Data Centre And Energy Campus Approved For Westmeath
Laois TD Criticises Lack Of EV Charging Infrastructure
JFK 50 Mile Challenge Returns To Midlands
Midlands Man To Stand Trial Over Alleged €200k Deception Case
Laois Shop Owner Hopeful Businesses Will Be Helped By Over The Shop Grant
Laois Councillor Backs Council Buying Derelict Town Centre Properties
Midlands TD Calls For Public Access To Rare Disease Treatment
Midlands MEP Launches EU Report Aimed At Speeding Up Housing Delivery
IFA Urges Farmers To Sell Confidently As Beef Demand Strengthens
Raffle Launched For Four Sold-Out Electric Picnic Tickets
Laois Hotel Earns Place Among World’s Most Exceptional Luxury Stays
Midlands Hospice Secures Planning Permission
Gardai Investigating Firearm Incident In Offaly Town
Offaly Town Highlighted As Ideal Business Location
EU Launches Legal Action Against Ireland Over Peat Cutting Enforcement
Gardai Attend Scene Of Westmeath Crash
Laois Community Praised For Welcoming 42 Ukrainian Families
Man Charged Following Midlands Crime Probe
Laois Shopping Centre Hosts Free Heart And Hearing Health Checks