Rebel turf-cutters say that turf has now been cut in more than half of the 53 protected bogs in the west.

Up to 100 people have gathered in Clonmoylan and Barroughter bogs in county Galway to support those who have been cutting turf through the night.

A crowd of up to 160 have gathered in two Galway bogs this afternoon to cut turf in violation of an EU directive.

Four men accused of cutting turf illegally have been sent forward for trial to the Circuit Criminal Court.

A row which threatened to drag on for weeks was resolved yesterday when talks between high-ranking officials from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the gardaí, and turfcutters resulted in the end of an 18-hour protest at Clonmoylan bog in Co Galway.