Gardaí have confirmed that they are investigating the theft of a significant amount of turf from a farmer in Co. Kerry.

It is understood that the incident took place at Leamydoody, Cordal, Castleisland over the weekend.

Independent Kerry County Councillor Charlie Farrelly said that the farmer discovered on Sunday (February 9) that the lock and chain on a gate leading to Leamydoody Forestry had been cut off.

Around 100 bags of turf are believed to have been taken from the scene, while bags of rubbish had also been dumped along the roadway.

In a post on social media, Cllr Farrelly said that an attempt had been made to burn the rubbish, but had failed.

"If they had been successful the whole forestry would have been in danger of being burnt down," he said.

Cllr Farrelly said that the incident had been "extremely annoying" for the farmer and his family as this was his last remaining stockpile of turf.

The councillor said that the family had used up the rest of their turf supply during the recent stormy weather.

He added that the family also been without electricity for 10 days as a result of the storm.

In a statement to Agriland, gardaí confirmed that they received a report of an incident of theft in the Leamydoody area, Castleisland, Co. Kerry on Sunday, February 9, 2025.

"The incident was reported at approximately 2:00p.m and occurred at a farm. A quantity of bags of turf has been reported stolen. The investigation is ongoing," they said.

In relation to the dumping of rubbish at the site, gardaí said that they were alerted to an incident of "criminal damage" in the Leamydoody area on Sunday.

"The incident was reported at approximately 2:00p.m. A forestry and bog area was littered. The investigation is ongoing," they added.