Heated debate ensues after Mayo councillor brings bag of turf into meeting

A Mayo councillor brought a bag of turf into a meeting of the local authority last week before offering it to management.

Independent Ireland Cllr Chris Maxwell said he wished to fight for his constituents who want to burn turf for home heating but later admitted he had a conflict of interest because he works as an agricultural contractor. 

“That’s a sack of turf all the way from Louisburgh," Cllr Maxwell told the meeting. "There may be people here not aware of what it is. I bring it here today because hundreds of people want to know what’s the situation regarding turf at the moment as they are so confused about what they are allowed to do and what powers the council has over turf-cutting and burning.” 

Independent Cllr Patsy O’Brien agreed that people are utterly confused over the banning of turf, adding that if the second part of a government measure is implemented “we will no longer be able to burn turf in our houses”. He also condemned the threats of inspections on the road of people bringing turf from the bog, adding it was a pity resources weren’t being used instead to help older people get grants to improve their homes.

Aontú Cllr Paul Lawless said banning turf was one of the greatest attacks on elderly people. 

“The Government wants to make criminals out of people buying turf," he claimed.

However, Fine Gael Cllr Peter Flynn said he had difficulty with Cllr Maxwell speaking out on the issue.

"People who have financial gain from this should declare it and bring up the matter outside the chamber.” 

Cllr Maxwell refuted the charge saying he had been cutting turf since he was fit to work at 14 or 15 and that it was a way of life.

Fine Gael Cllr Michael Burke, an auctioneer, said if he stood up in the chamber and promoted planning on any site in the country, he would have to leave the meeting, adding: “If I’m seen to make any financial benefit I would excuse myself form the meeting.” 

Independent Cllr Michael Kilcoyne said there is a proposal being passed by government to outlaw the bag of turf, adding: “They are giving power to the executive in local authorities to enforce it and bring in the heating police, as Cllr O’Brien called them. It is very easy to blame the Greens for everything but this wouldn’t have gone through without their coalition partners, so a vote for Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael now is a vote for the bag of turf to go out the door.” 

Following the heated debate, Cllr Patsy O’Brien proposed that the council call on the government "not to introduce further legislation regarding people burning turf in their own homes and that a letter to this effect be send to the minister". This was seconded by Fianna Fáil Cllr Damian Ryan and agreed by members.

Later in the week, Cllr Maxwell admitted to Tommy Marren on MidWest Radio that there was a conflict of interest in him seeking to prevent a ban on turf-cutting, considering he makes income from providing such a service.