Farmers are said to be happy with a compensation deal agreed for bogs that will be designated as conservation areas following a review of the 1997 Habitats Regulations Scheme.
Figures released to The Irish Times show that between €3,000 and €3,500 will be paid for every acre given over under the scheme.
It was also agreed that turf-cutting for domestic use can continue for at least another 10 years.
The successful completion of the negotiations between the Government and the main farming organisations on environmental concerns was described by all parties yesterday as "very welcome".
The talks, between the Department of the Environment and the IFA, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association and Macra na Feirme, were aimed at securing procedures on how areas of conservation will be identified in future. They had been going on since July of last year and had often proved contentious.
The Minister for the Environment, Mr Cullen, welcomed the outcome.
IFA president Mr John Dillon said: "Progress has been made on new notification procedures, a code of practice from Department staff in their dealings with farmers, as well as clear guidelines on developments that can take place in designated areas."