The sub-zero temperatures are also expected to put more pressure on the country's electricity grid.

He took ill while speaking to Senators at around 4pm on Wednesday afternoon.

The scheme was only applicable for vacant properties in towns and villages when it was first announced during the summer

Minister Burke claims that the majority of domestic turf burners source the fuel through local connections or word of mouth

Fine Gael Representative Peter Burke and Sinn Féin spokesperson Pearse Doherty spoke on the Joe Finnegan Show earlier

The issue has been raised locally.

Construction is due to begin by the end of the year and be completed by September 2025.

The new rules are understood to be made legally binding on October 31st.