European Commission has referred Ireland to the Court of Justice for failing to meet obligations under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive regarding peat cutting projects. The referral follows Ireland’s failure to ensure that peat cutting activities—both state and private—received proper planning permissions and environmental assessments. Although the Irish government halted peat cutting by Bord Na Móna and began rehabilitation funded by EU recovery funds, enforcement against private operators over 50 hectares has been insufficient. The Commission notes that smaller peat cutting sites continue without required permits, and local authorities have not taken adequate enforcement action. The case is now before the Court, which may impose financial sanctions.
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