Terms of reference have been agreed for a new regional enforcement group for peatlands.
Local authorities in Offaly and Westmeath are welcoming the formation of a new regional enforcement authority for peatlands.
It follows an Environmental Protection Agency report published earlier this year citing nine sites in Offaly and eight in Westmeath as engaging in illegal peat extraction.
Chief Executive of Offaly County Council Anna Marie Delaney says terms of reference have been agreed between the local government department and the Department of Housing for the group.
The group would give local authorities the planning, technical and legal expertise necessary to tackle the sites, with a clear outline for site investigation and quarterly meetings.
Ms Delaney says it would give them the tools they need:
Laois Clinical Exercise Physiologist Highlights Importance Of Exercise
€1,300 Saved In Energy Bills By Offaly Community
Laois Fishmonger Awarded Prestigious Qualification
Laois Comhairle na nÓg Call For Safe Outdoor Space For Young People
Westmeath Woman Aiming To Open Food Bank
Almost 200 Adults Housed In Child Accommodation Since 2022
Laois Fishmonger Honoured With Prestigious Qualification
Offaly TD Demands Answers Over Delayed School Build
Midlands Parents Urged To Offer Opinions In National School Survey
Westmeath Man Caught With Child Sexual Abuse Content Jailed
CIF Wants Real Action From Accelerate Infrastructure Action Plan
Former Offaly Councillor To Transform Tourist Apartments
Westmeath Lotto Player Scoops €6m Lotto Win
Illegal Peat Extraction Sparks Demand For Stronger Enforcement
Laois TD Demands Answers On Future Of Mental Health Unit
Works On Midlands Castle Set To Begin
Laois Charity Warns Public Of Bogus Door-to-Door Collections
Leinster IFA Elect New Chair
Laois Most Likely County In Midlands For White Christmas
Couples's Injury Claim Rumbled By Honeymoon Photos