Green Party leader Eamon Ryan faced an “intense showdown” with Government TDs over his handling of the proposed plan to ban the commercial sale of smoky fuels, including turf.
Backbench TDs from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael met with Minister Ryan at two separate meetings on Tuesday evening.
At the Fine Gael meeting, a number of rural TDs including Michael Ring, Joe Carey and the Deputy Government chief whip, Brendan Griffin “stuck into” Minister Ryan.
READ MORE: Mary Lou McDonald accuses Government of punishing people who burn turf to heat homes
Fine Gael sources said the meeting was "robust to say the least" and Minister Ryan was "rattled" as he was warned not to threaten the stability of the Government.
In a statement, Mr Griffin and Senator Sean Kyne said that members of their party “had a robust meeting with Minister Ryan regarding the sale and distribution of turf.
“With all that is happening right now, in terms of the war, escalating energy bills, future fuel sources, Minister Ryan’s proposals as mooted in recent weeks should not proceed.
“This was made clear to Minister Ryan today.”
Fianna Fáil TDs also met with Minister Ryan over the matter and it was a “frank” meeting where Minister Ryan was told “in no certain terms” could some Fianna Fáil TDs accept the proposed ban as described in a parliamentary question.
When asked if the Government was willing to lose TDs over the proposals, a spokesman for Minister Ryan said they were “sure it won’t come to that.”
He said that the discussion at Tuesday’s meetings would be taken on board and plans would be finalised in a few weeks.
The spokesman for Minister Ryan said the plan is to go forward with the regulations from September 1.
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