New solid fuel regulations have been agreed by the government today which will have a major effect on reducing air pollution in Ireland.
The existing ban on smoky coal in towns with a population of more than 10,000 will be extended across the entire country as part of the regulations.
The new regulations are due to come into effect on October 31st subject to EU approval.
The regulations set specific emission limits for various fuel products such as coal, manufactured solid fuels, biomass, wood products and wood logs.
Air pollution is linked to 1,300 – 1,400 premature deaths every year – a figure that is ten times the amount of people who die on our roads.
Evidence also indicates that it can be a significant factor in illnesses such as stroke, heart disease, lung disease, lung cancer and dementia.
In addition to the smoky coal ban, as part of today’s measures it will no longer be possible to sell turf from retail premises, online or through traditional media channels such as newspapers.
The regulations will have no effect, however, on the cutting or burning of turf by those with turf-cutting (turbary) rights.
They will continue to be able to gift or sell turf as before through traditional channels.
The regulations will also restrict the sale of wet wood where smaller quantities of wood (below 2m3) will be required to have a moisture content of less than 25%.
