Government policy banning turf cutting in bogs designated as special areas of conservation has been reversed until the end of the year.
The ban, which aimed at protecting rare bog habitats, was due to come into effect at the end of last year to meet Ireland's obligations to protect endangered habitats under EU law.
The ban on turf cutting in raised bogs - bogs which developed in lake basins in midland counties - was lifted by Minister for the Environment John Gormley today.
32 bogs, and some 800 turf cutters, were affected by the ban - which will be eventually extended to a total of 139 bogs by 2014.
A working group will prepare a report for the minister on how to restore raised bogs, end turf cutting, and implement compensation methods for turf cutters affected by future bans.
The turf cutting ban was opposed by the Irish Farmers' Association.
It argues that bog areas owned by State company Coillte need to be deforested and used as an alternative habitat site to satisfy Ireland's obligations under EU law to protect raised bogs.
