The move by the European Commission was announced today.
Ireland's being referred to the Court of Justice of the European Union over peat cutting.
The European Commission announced the move today, saying the country had failed to comply with the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive.
It says it is aware there is still significant peat cutting activity which is not subject to planning permission, and enforcement action is not being taken at the local level.
The commission also considers efforts by authorities here have been insufficient and referred the country to the ECJ.
Nine sites in Offaly and eight in Westmeath have been previously cited in an Environmental Protection Agency report here on illegal peat extraction sites.
Roscommon Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice says he has its concerns:
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