A ban on the sale of turf has now been paused pending a review, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has told a private Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting.
It comes just hours after Green Party leader Eamon Ryan defended the upcoming ban on the sale of turf and said elderly people who use it to heat their homes are also concerned about air pollution.
Minister Ryan has faced cross-party criticism on his plans to regulate the sale and distribution of turf from September given that so many rural homes use turf to heat their homes.
Read More:Government confirms thousands of Irish households to get extra €100 payment next month
When asked by the Irish Mirror what was his message to people living in rural Ireland who are concerned about heating their homes, he said: “Those elderly people are concerned as I’m sure like everyone else about the air pollution, it’s a real risk to health right across our country, one we have to tackle.”
Several Fine Gael sources have confirmed to the Irish Mirror that Mr Varadkar has told the PP meeting that plans to ban the sale of turf from September have been paused.
Meanwhile, the Government has announced a new cost of living package that will see households save around €50 on an annual gas bill and €70 on an annual electricity bill.
The temporary cut in VAT on fuel bills from 13.5% to 9% will begin on May 1 and last until October 31.
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said the VAT cut will cost the State around €46 million.
He also announced an additional once-off lump sum €100 fuel payment allowance which will also be paid in May for over 370,000 households who avail of the support.
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