Applications for peat extraction at Offaly bogs to be resubmitted under new legislation

An overhaul of the substitute consent procedure has seen An Bord Pleanala withdraw applications made by Bord na Mona in relation to three Offaly bogs.

Bord na Mona had sought leave to apply for substitute consent for the extraction of peat at Lemanaghan bog, the Ballydermot Bog Group and Blackwater bog.

New legislation has amended the process and allows for the streamlining of substitute consent procedures for applications. It provides for a single-stage application process and removes the initial leave to apply stage.

As the leave to apply stage is deleted under the new legislation, the definition of ‘exceptional circumstances’ is also amended under the legislation.

A spokesperson for Bord na Mona said it ''will submit our substitute consent applications through the new amended process.''