The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has appealed for information after unauthorised turf-cutting took place at a number of protected bogs in Meath and Westmeath.

The bogs – Moneybeg bog, Clareisland bog and Ross bog – are designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and are considered to be highly important on both an Irish and European level.

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Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan TD said: "Land-owners have brought to my Department's attention that turf has been cut on their bog plots without permission. For the sake of the preservation of these precious sites, I ask that people will bring any such unauthorised cutting to the attention of the Gardaí."

The damage that has been caused to the sites is currently being investigated by Gardaí. Anyone with information is asked to contact Castlepollard Garda Station on 044 9661112.

(JP/IT)