Importing and exporting peat

A chara, – When Ireland imported peat from the Baltic states in September, it was widely reported. Why on earth would we import peat when we have plenty of our own? If our horticulture sector needs it, Bord na Móna should mine it here rather than ship it across Europe. But according to the Central Statistics Office, we exported 10 times as much peat as we imported in 2021. If peat is so important to Irish growers, why are they content to see it sold out from under them? Why are we talking about restarting peat mining, with all the environmental damage that entails? Are we happy to destroy our heritage if it keeps prices down? – Is mise le meas,

RAY CUNNINGHAM,

Walkinstown, Dublin 12.