Plans to control the sale and supply of turf have been put on hold.
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has told fellow Fine Gael TDs last night the plan has been paused.
It follows uproar in rural Ireland including Donegal about the move.
The Tánaiste reportedly said that removing turf cutting from rural Ireland is like removing wine from the French or pasta from the Italians, according to sources.
Environment Minister Eamon Ryan defended the plan stating that action must be taken to improve air quality.
Rural TDs and councillor slammed the proposals which they state is an effective ban on the sale and distribution of turf.
When asked about older people in rural Ireland that still rely on turf to heat their homes, Minister Ryan said: “Those elderly people are concerned, like I’m sure everyone else, about the air pollution.”
“It’s a real risk to health right across our country,” he said, adding that the issue of air quality affecting people’s health is “actually critical”.
He acknowledged that while elderly people are concerned about heating their homes, “they’re also concerned about their health”.
A EPA Air Quality in Ireland 2020 report revealed that particulate matter from the domestic burning of solid fuel is estimated to cause 1,300 premature deaths per year.
Speaking to the media after Cabinet signed off on VAT reductions on electricity and gas bills, Ryan said: “There isn’t a ban on turf or burning turf or anything like that.”
