Efforts to resolve the growing row over a turf cutting ban on environmentally sensitive bogs in the west and the midlands get under way today.
Representatives of the Turf Cutters Association, the group opposing the ban, will meet with officials of the Government's newly established Peatlands Council at its first meeting in Portlaoise.
The association's chairman Michael Fitzmaurice says it will continue to fight for the right to cut turf on the 51 raised bogs, but it is prepared to take part in today's meeting to argue for changes to the scheme.
It says an offer of €1,000 per year compensation to 3,500 turf cutters is 'bad value', as any alternative form of fuel would cost more than three times that amount.
The association has also dismissed the suggestion from Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan that some turf cutters might be able to harvest turf on bogs not covered by the new EU directive. It said they simply do not exist.
Peatlands Council Chairman Conor Skehan said he hopes there will be a 'positive approach' at today's meeting to find a way forward through negotiations with all of those involved in the turf cutting issue.
