Environmental organisation An Taisce is asking the Taoiseach to stand over his promise to defend Galway bogs protected under EU legislation.

Peat is now being illegally extracted on 9 of the 53 protected bogs, all of which are in the Galway, Mayo and Roscommon areas.

Up to 50 turfcutters gathered in protest in Loughrea last evening [May 22] where the European Affairs Minister Lucinda Creighton officiated at a meeting.

Turfcutters claim they are being intimidated by low flying aircraft that are checking to see if the turf cutting ban is being adhered to.

Speaking on Galway Talks, An Taise spokesperson Charles Stanley Smith said fines from Europe are becoming inevitable