Turf cutters will be allowed to continue to sell turf to their neighbours and “traditional” channels will be protected, under new plans by the Government.
Coalition leaders have come up with a new plan to solve the controversial proposed ban on the commercial sale of turf.
Sources have confirmed that the proposed regulations will have no effect on the cutting or burning of turf by those with turf-cutting rights, under plans expected to be agreed by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tanáiste Leo Varadkar and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan on Monday night.
READ MORE: Eamon Ryan blasted for saying peat briquettes could be included in smoky fuel ban
And turf cutters will be allowed to continue to gift or sell turf as they always have traditionally to neighbours and family.
Following backlash earlier this year with his original smoky-coal ban plan, Green Party Minister Eamon Ryan held a meeting with disgruntled backbench Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael TDs.
Discussions also included the possibility of a ban on the commercial sale of turf in communities with over 500 people.
However, this proposal has also now been dropped.
Government sources say the main effect of the proposed regulations will be to bring an end to the sale of smoky coal, which is the "main contributor to air pollution in Ireland".
The key change is it will no longer be possible to sell turf from retail premises such as shops, petrol stations or fuel depots.
The aim of preventing turf sales at convenience shops and filling stations is necessary in order to prevent the sale of smoky coal in particular, sources explained.
And it will no longer be possible to sell turf online or through traditional media channels, for example, newspapers.
A senior source said on Monday night that the aim was always to hit the commercial sale at retail level and not impact people with turbary rights in rural areas.
The Irish Mirror also understands the Coalition hopes the ban will come into effect in the Autumn.
The proposed regulations are due to go to Cabinet in a number of weeks before some “technical details” are finalised.
Minister Ryan has consistently argued the regulations are needed because each year some 1,300 people die as a result of poor air quality.
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