The Turf Cutters and Contractors Association has withdrawn from talks with the Government over the ban on cutting turf.
The TCCA said that its proposals at finding a solution had been rejected by the Government and the European Commission.
It said that it was now withdrawing from all discussions aimed at finding a solution to the ban on cutting turf on special areas of conservation raised bogs.
The association said that it was no longer requesting its members to refrain from turf cutting.
It added: “Easter week would be the ideal week to strike for freedom and exercise your turbary rights in the time-honoured Irish tradition.”
Minister for Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan, Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan and EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik held talks on the matter yesterday.
Afterwards, the Government welcomed the European Commission’s support for a national plan for Ireland's special areas of conservation.
Minister Deenihan today said he is willing to work with the TCCA and all other groups representing turf cutters to look for a solution to the issue.
A spokesperson from the Department of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht said agreement was reached yesterday on the terms passed by the Dáil.
The Government last month withdrew its opposition to a motion proposed by Independent TD Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan.
The spokesperson said it is necessary that the legal protection afforded to these special areas under national and European legislation is maintained while the plan is prepared and the minister has asked people to refrain from cutting this year.
The State has made provision to provide affected turf cutters with a financial payment of €2,000 or a delivery of turf (15 tonnes) to their homes this year.
