Bord na Móna began drain clearance work near flooded farmland in County Roscommon this morning.
The work took place at Mount Dillon bog, and follows concerns from local farmers about rising water levels around rewetted bogs between Ballyleague and Strokestown.
Midlands North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly says the move is critical to protect farms ahead of winter.
He says while Bord na Móna is rewetting over 30,000 hectares of bog under EU nature restoration laws, blockages in drains and rivers must be cleared where neighbouring farmers face flooding risks.
Speaking to Shannonside FM News, he welcomed this morning's development but said progress has been slow.
The Independent Ireland MEP is calling for similar work to be carried out across all bogs in the region to ensure rewetting does not lead to flooding.
