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Ireland exporting 11 times more peat than it imports - amid horticulture supply fears

Analysis from Noteworthy shows 500,000 tonnes of peat products exported so far this year amid supply concerns for the domestic market.

PEAT EXPORTS FROM Ireland are over 11 times import levels as concerns grow that there is not enough supply for the domestic horticultural sector.

Data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) to Noteworthy, the investigative platform from The Journal, shows that exports of peat have far outstripped imports over the past 20 years.

This includes the past two years since a landmark High Court decision effectively forced the horticultural peat industry to cease harvesting overnight. The sector supplies growing material to various industries, including mushrooms, fruit production, and professional plant growers. 

While exports have historically made up the majority of the Irish horticultural peat market, Noteworthy can reveal as part of its PEAT’S SAKE investigation that a working group examining peat use in horticulture was not tasked with examining exports as part of its remit. 

Untitled Aerial drone image of large-scale peat harvesting operation in Ireland Corkscrew / Shutterstock Corkscrew / Shutterstock / Shutterstock

Planning and licensing headache

Following a long legal and planning battle since the early 2010s, the 2019 High Court ruling made it clear that companies engaged in large-scale peat extraction need planning permission and EPA licensing, both of which involve a thorough environmental assessment process required under EU law due to the climate and biodiversity impacts of peat extraction.

The majority of peat harvesting for horticultural use has taken place in the Midlands which contains most of Ireland’s unique raised bogs that, today, account for half of Europe’s entire raised bog network.

Nearly all major companies in the sector have neither planning permission or licenses – Bord na Mona is the only company that has EPA licences to date – throwing the industry into disarray. 

This issue is acknowledged by the industry itself. In a submission to an Oireachtas Committee in February 2021, Growing Media Ireland, which represents most horticultural peat producers, stated that no company has planning permission for the harvesting of peat and “would be operating outside the law if they continue to do so”.

Following the ruling there have been widespread calls from the industry for emergency legislative changes to allow them to harvest again in 2022 as stocks of already harvested peat have dwindled, leaving the €477 million horticultural industry facing a crisis for supply of growing media. 

Bord na Mona supplied nearly all the peat for compost for garden plant growers but in January 2021 announced it had ended all peat harvesting operations on its lands, with reserves expected to have run out by the end of May.

The mushroom industry relies on the use of a thin layer of peat casing on top of high-quality compost to ensure mushrooms grow in a uniform manner. In a submission to the 2020 review of the use of peat in horticulture, Walsh Mushrooms said that the industry is “totally reliant on peat in its current form to be able to operate”.

All eye on imports

This concern culminated in widespread media attention after the recent importation of a large amount of peat from the Baltic region that arrived at Drogheda Port in September.

The peat was destined for Klasmann-Deilmann near the Longford and Westmeath border. The company describes itself as a leading corporate group in the international substrate industry across Europe, Asia and America.

Reporting of the shipment led to a wave of calls from national politicians for emergency legislation to be brought in to allow the industry to recommence harvesting in 2022. 

In 2021 to date, 42,800 tonnes of peat valued at €7.3m has been imported into Ireland. The vast majority came in from Northern Ireland, followed by the Netherlands, Great Britain, Germany, Lithuania, Ukraine, and Belarus. 

Analysis of CSO data shows that there has been an increased demand for imports, with this year’s imports to date more than twice that imported in 2019 and 2020 combined. 

It is also the highest amount imported over the past 20 years, although large amounts were also imported prior to the 2019 High Court ruling, with almost 20,000 and 25,000 tonnes of peat products imported in 2016 and 2017 respectively. 

According to Growing Media Ireland, the concern from the industry now is that there is a lack of supply of materials needed for the professional horticultural and mushroom sectors. 

The industry group claimed to Noteworthy that the stockpiles that were in place following the High Court decision in late 2019 “have been exhausted and the only viable source of horticultural peat at the moment is imported peat”.

It said: “The imported peat has an obvious environmental impact… compared to harvesting Irish peat, as well as a direct higher cost for Irish horticultural growers, and the 17,000 jobs that depend on the sector.”

Export-driven industry

However, the importation figures still pale in comparison to the amount of peat products being exported from Ireland, with over 500,000 tonnes worth €94 million leaving the country so far this year – 11.5 times import levels. 

In 2020, when the industry was already raising alarm bells about shortfalls in the sector, 919,371 tonnes of peat was exported from Ireland.

This is 10 times what is needed for the domestic horticultural market, according to a briefing note from June 2021 released to Noteworthy that was prepared for the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture (DAFM) Pippa Hackett. 

The commercial horticultural peat sector has always been export focused. According to DAFM, 10% of all peat extracted in Ireland has historically been harvested for horticulture, with 90% of it exported as milled peat or for mushroom casing. 

This is confirmed by the industry. In a submission to the 2020 review of peat use in horticulture, Bulrush – one of the largest companies in the sector – said that the industry “exists to supply an export market for substrates”. 

Klasmann-Deilmann also said that the industry in Ireland “would effectively not exist without the export market”, with an estimated 95% of its peat exported. “With a few exceptions, revenues in the industry are mostly derived from exports,” it said.

The CSO data analysed by Noteworthy, however, does not differentiate between the different types of peat exported and it is unclear what percentage of exports would be suitable for use in the professional horticultural sector.  

For example, a large percentage of exports in 2020 and 2021 went to the UK, the key market for amateur or hobby peat products such as gardening composts that is often not up to the standards required for the professional industry.

In a statement to Noteworthy, Growing Media Ireland said that the total export figure is “greatly exaggerated” as the figures include peat mixed with alternatives. 

In addition, it said that domestic stockpiles were still being exhausted until very recently and that the ​​figures for the full year “will be very different as the latter half of the year has seen exports collapse and imports soar”. 

However, detailed international trade data for 2020 and 2021 seen by Noteworthy does show that professional grade peat supplies for the mushroom and other professional industries was exported to customers in North America as recently as this month. 

In addition, the CSO data shows that there has been significant exports to the Netherlands, South Africa and Israel in 2020 and 2021, with the mushroom industries in these countries known to be destinations for Irish peat products

Report findings

The concern over imports has formed the key talking point of a working group of stakeholders set up earlier this year to examine the future use of peat in the horticultural industry. 

The working group includes industry representative bodies such as the Commercial Mushroom Producers, Growing Media Ireland and the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), as well as ICTU, environmental groups, Bord na Mona, the agri-research body Teagasc, and independent academics and experts. 

The group’s report, coordinated by its chair and former chief scientist at Bord Na Mona, Dr Munoo Prasad, is now with the Minister of State Malcolm Noonan and awaiting release. 

Noteworthy has seen a version of the final report, the contents of which were widely circulated in the media this week, that calls for peat in horticulture to be phased out by 2035 providing alternative materials become available.

The report also has a strong focus on provisions to allow for harvesting “from existing ‘ecologically destroyed’ bogs” to continue, so long as they have already been prepared for harvesting. 

This would require amendments to the current legislation to allow for large-scale extraction that the report said is “absolutely critical for the 2022 season”, recommending new legislation “as a priority” by the end of this year. 

The report also recommends that the importation of peat “should only take place under special circumstances e.g. to make up a shortfall”. The report, however, only makes scant reference to exports, briefly comparing the size of the export trade to the needs in the domestic market. 

According to a spokesperson for Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE), which sat on the working group until recently, the level of exports still taking place “undermines the validity of the working group report”.

The group said that its representative was “assured there were no significant exports” taking place. The organisation recently stepped down from the group over the issue. 

“[We] could not support the recommendations of the working group who were concerned only with finding ways around the law to continue to extract peat until transition in 2035,” the group claimed. 

FIE sent an email to the chair Dr Prasad in October outlining the latest available CSO figures at the time showing large volumes of peat exports between January and July.

In a reply the same day, with Department of Housing officials in copy, Dr Prasad told FIE that “the export of peat from Ireland does not fall in the remit of my Working Group”.

Noteworthy asked Dr Prasad for comment but he said that he was instructed by the Department “not to comment on the report until Minister Noonan has officially approved the report and released the report”. 

The Department was also asked to comment on this point and said that, while it would not be commenting on the report until after publication, “the Chair is correct to say that the export of peat did not fall within the group’s remit”.

According to Teagasc, switching to peat-free production will require “significant research and development of a range of alternatives”, with the Department of Agriculture funding a number of projects looking at substitutes and partial peat replacements.

***

Noteworthy will publish more articles as part of its PEAT SAKE investigation into the peat industry over the coming months as it delves into enforcement concerns and the future use of our precious peatlands as we transition away from harvesting.

 ***

This article was written by Niall Sargent of Noteworthy. It was proposed and funded by you, our readers. 

Noteworthy is the investigative journalism platform from The Journal. You can support our work by helping to fund one of our other investigation proposals or submitting an idea for a story. Click here to find out more >>

We also have a number of climate and biodiversity-themed investigation proposals which you can view here 

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    Mute Marty H
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:17 PM

    One of the most detested men in Irish politics ever

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:22 PM

    @Marty H: Gerry, Bertie & Phil would be the top three.

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    Mute Marty H
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:57 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: Gerry?

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:07 PM

    @Marty H: Nailed on top three.

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    Mute Marty H
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:25 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: what about Charlie?

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:54 PM

    @Marty H: Charlie was a rogue, not in the same league as the other three.

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    Mute Roger Dawson
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:56 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: Mehole & Donnelly are in the top 5

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    Mute Michael Clinton
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:19 PM

    A man that managed to rub a whole nation up the wrong way and become totally hated.
    He pused and bullied his way to the top and basically sneered at everyone.
    He bullied the property tax into revenue
    He tried to bully water charges and even suggested cutting supply to a trickle.
    The people waiting in the long grass waited patiently and struck when hogans arrogance got the better of him.

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    Mute Euro McPúnty
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:34 PM

    @Michael Clinton: a proud Fine Gael man.

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    Mute Roger Dawson
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:52 PM

    @Michael Clinton: No Politician is indispensable only exception for Ireland was
    CS Parnell .

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    Mute Joan Murray
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    Aug 27th 2020, 6:59 PM

    @Michael Clinton: actually, he rubbed a vocal minority rabble up the wrong way. Majority of householders signed up to the water charges and understand water doesnt fall from the skies straight into our taps, and that it is better if our sh##t is not pumped untreated into Dublin Bay, or the waters off Lehinch strand.

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    Mute Michael Clinton
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    Aug 27th 2020, 7:10 PM

    @Joan Murray:
    Well why didn’t the *so called majority* get off their larded backsides to protest to pay the tax…
    I’ll tell you why Joan, it was because YOU are the minority.
    People like you like to look down their noses at others, if you feel so bad then stop the nearest politician and hand him/her your money.
    As for effluent going into Dublin bay, that only happens when flooding and rain deluges the tanks.

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    Mute SC
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    Aug 31st 2020, 6:09 AM

    @Joan Murray: it was an attempt to privatise that bothered me. I have money and can pay but will not allow privatisation.

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    Mute Stephen Walsh
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:04 PM

    FG & FF are rotten to the core end of

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:16 PM

    @Stephen Walsh: as opposed to SF who are shining lights of rectitude, probity & are unfailingly kind to furry animals.
    How lucky we are to have them.

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    Mute Jacks R. Back
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:17 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: Sinn Féin are living in your head rent free Justin.

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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:20 PM

    @Jacks R. Back: Your right Jack, it is a constant marvel to me how they manage to fool so many people all of the time. Admirable in a strange sort of way.

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    Mute Jacks R. Back
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:23 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: Are you talking about FF or FG there Justin?

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    Mute Brian Madden
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:25 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: fool so many people? They have never been on government in the republic. FFG have been in government for over one hundred years. We have had Charlie and bertie and the burke’s and the Flynn’s. The list goes on and so much corruption.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:26 PM

    @Jacks R. Back: All of them Jack, every single one of them.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:32 PM

    @Brian Madden: Do you honestly think SF are any better? Stormont has been a shambles, the bullying at County Council level is well documented not to mention the Bobby Storey funeral circus, Martina Anderson & the Monaghan Co Councillor who decided to self isolate with her entire family in Donegal after a foreign holiday.
    FF FG & SF are all the same, do as I say not as I do.

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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:33 PM

    @Stephen Walsh: Gobsh*t ALL FFFGGP

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    Mute DCforChange
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:56 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: what about People before profit, The Greens etc. There’s more opposition parties than SF. Can you not just admit FF & FG are rotten to the core. Stop comparing.

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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:10 PM

    @DCforChange: I don’t know how many different ways I can put this, every single one of them.
    The parties you name are not alone corrupt but incompetent with it. The reason I name SF is because they are big enough to be leaders in a future government.

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    Mute ÓDuibhír Abú
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:30 PM

    @Brian Madden: And the; Roman Church, how low on Morals they are that they couldn’t speak up.!!

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 5:02 PM

    @ÓDuibhír Abú: Add in the Muslims, Sikhs, Jehovahs & jou begin to get the idea. Nobody is perfect, we are all corrupt & none of us has the right to point the finger at anyone else, we have all pulled strokes & taken shortcuts even with regard to Covid.
    Loads of people who fly in do not respond to follow up phone calls. Up to 50% of those who are supposed to be tested as close contacts do not turn up for their second test.
    Will they all get fired? Will they f__k!!

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    Mute Roger Dawson
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    Aug 27th 2020, 5:10 PM

    @Stephen Walsh: 100 years of FFFG with the backing of the Labour Party.
    100 years of kissing Archbishops and Bishops rings and cover up’s.
    And we still vote for them
    Why

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    Mute The Risen
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:19 PM

    Bye bye Philip. Don’t let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya…..

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    Aug 27th 2020, 8:06 PM

    @The Risen: Farewell Fat Phil.

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    Mute Liam Dempsey
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:34 PM

    The Irish people know and admire a good politician when they see one. They also know a know a high toned skunk when they smell one. When Phil came from Brussels he rode rough shod over Ireland’s covid rules as if he was the law or God almighty. The law didn’t apply to him only the little people but he soon found out. The Irish people had their say eventually.

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    Mute Roger Dawson
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    Aug 27th 2020, 5:04 PM

    @Liam Dempsey: Have you got a minute
    Tell us who you had in mind That is a good politician that we as Irish people admire.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:18 PM

    Phil Hogan is the happiest man in Ireland, big pensions, can play golf to his hearts content & will get to pick & choose his next big job.

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    Mute Jacks R. Back
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:24 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: You’re right, the cartel always look after their own.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:35 PM

    @Jacks R. Back: Its the way of the world Jack. Always has been always will be.

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    Mute Jacks R. Back
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:45 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: Especially if you refuse to countenance change.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:12 PM

    @Jacks R. Back: Theses the problem Jack, there will be no change, different faces maybe, same corruption.

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    Mute Jimmy Mac
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:16 PM

    He is one of the most arrogant think I ever heard, over payed big headed F—Kers , glad to see him get the sack.

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    Mute Dave Collins
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:40 PM

    Phil…C U Next Tuesday!

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    Mute Michael Clinton
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:50 PM

    You will find this boyo heading up a vulture fun soon enough.

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    Mute boss hogg
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:14 PM

    @Michael Clinton: just remember enda Kenny now works as an advisor for an American vulture fund within Ireland.him and that weasel Hayes are two beauties

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    Mute Tom Heffernan
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:14 PM

    And all he will be remembered for will be This debacle he got himself into!

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    Mute kevin mc cormack
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    Aug 27th 2020, 6:07 PM

    I read recently he also said Ireland should look at raising it corporate tax, in order to access COVID-19 grants from Europe,he has a cheek to call himself an Irishman, he’d sell the shirt off his own back,

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    Mute Logan Shepherd
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:04 PM

    Ah come on lads. As your one in Frozen said “let it go”

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    Mute Johnny Merren
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:31 PM

    Great letter in Irish Times today
    Sir – Obfuscation, evasion and the recitation of rules are essential in trade negotiations.

    Phil Hogan should be the next director general of the World Trade Organisation. – Yours, etc,

    Dr JOHN DOHERTY,

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    Mute Niall Sheridan
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:49 PM

    From…..
    To some handy number / sinecure somewhere – “well done good and faithful servant “!!

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    Mute Chewey Bacca
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:03 PM

    National Hero ! Standing up to the CCP and living life to the full. We’ll all be doing this in 12 months. Ahead of his time.

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    Mute Lorcan O'Neill
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    Aug 27th 2020, 9:41 PM

    I know nothing about this man but when I see him the only thing that comes to mind is that he looks like a bully !

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    Mute Maurice Dodd
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    Aug 28th 2020, 10:25 PM

    @Lorcan O’Neill: google his previous form lor an he’s a truly vile pos

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    Mute Maurice Dodd
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    Aug 28th 2020, 10:24 PM

    Big pig Phil

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