Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. The ban on the marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous fuel - the smoky coal ban - was first introduced in Dublin in 1990 owing to severe winter smog resulting from the widespread use of smoky coal for residential heating. The ban has proved effective in reducing smoke and sulphur dioxide levels, with research indicating it has resulted in over 350 fewer annual deaths in Dublin since its introduction. The ban was subsequently extended to other areas and now applies in 20 cities and towns. Air quality monitoring by the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, has shown that levels of particulate matter are lower in these areas than in towns where the ban does not apply. In its most recent state of the environment report the EPA has concluded the smoky coal ban has had a positive effect on limiting particulate matter emissions from home heating and recommended it should be extended to all urban areas.

A public consultation paper was recently prepared by my Department to inform and assist a review of the smoky coal ban regulations, taking account of the progress made to date, as well as the 2011 census, which evidenced changes in town populations. As well as reviewing the impact of the regulations to date, the consultation paper also identifies relevant considerations relating to their effective implementation in the context of the scientific and societal developments since their introduction. The consultation paper can be viewed on my Department's website, www.environ.ie.

Among the options explored in the consultation paper is the proposed alignment of the smoky coal restricted areas outside Dublin and Cork with EPA-designated air quality zones so as to provide for greater consistency in overall air quality management. The EPA has divided the country into four zones for the purpose of air quality monitoring and management, as follows: zone A is Dublin; zone B is Cork; zone C comprises other cities and towns with populations greater than 15,000 people; and zone D covers the remaining areas of the country. Based on the latest census data, the alignment of the smoky coal ban regulations with zone C would result in the ban being extended to the towns of Balbriggan, Greystones, Letterkenny, Mullingar, Navan, Newbridge and Portlaoise.

Under the current consultation process, my Department has received submissions supporting the extension of the smoky coal ban to the town of Greystones and its environs. At present, Wicklow town is not proposed for inclusion as part of the alignment with air quality zone C as its population is less than 15,000 people. Although it is open to Wicklow County Council to nominate any town within its functional area for inclusion in the ban, I understand my Department has not received any such request. It should be noted that the closing date for submissions is this coming Thursday, 17 May. Perhaps the Deputy will have the opportunity to ensure a submission is made before that date.

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