Deputy Michael Collins and his Rural Independent Group have called on Taoiseach Micheál Martin to scrap any turf-cutting bans.

The group also calls on Fianna Fail and Fine Gael to stop "hiding behind the greens" as the rural independents consider proposals by Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, "insane".

Minister Ryan confirmed that a regulatory provision will be made to prohibit the marketing, sale or distribution of sod peat from September. However, those with turbary rights will be able to continue to cut and burn sod peat for their own domestic purposes.

Deputy Collins critisised that the government would even contemplate such proposals, and that the announcement in the middle of an unprecedented energy crisis is "unforgivable". He said:

He added that this announcement has made clear that the Green Party has "no grasp" of current energy and financial realities impacting Irish families. "Many families are facing daily decisions of either buying food or heating their homes," Deputy Collins said. He continued:

Deputy Collins said the government's ongoing assault on the rural way of life is having a profound impact on all rural communities, and that this will eventually lead to a ban on the burning of all turf.

The rural independents are calling on the Taoiseach to clarify if he is going to allow Minister Ryan to proceed with these regulations. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have the power to block this overreach, Deputy Collins said.

Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil TD for Offaly, Barry Cowen has called for a gradual phase-out of the commercial turf sale to reduce the impact on certain homeowners.

This would stop an outright "cliff-edge" ban from impacting certain homeowners and families that still rely on turf, Deputy Cowen said. He explained:

He said it should be tried to reach an agreement for the phasing out of commercial sales instead of the cliff-edge proposal being suggested.

Deputy Cowen urges Minister Ryan to meet with representatives from all parties this week to discuss this further and seek out a fairer solution for the stakeholders concerned.

“Ultimately, we need a phasing out by agreement, whereby a just transition is realised with realistic and cost-efficient alternatives being made available for those impacted by the proposals," he said.