Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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575. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his views on extending the Cork smokeless-coal-zone to include Midleton; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5613/15]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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The ban on the marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous fuel (or ‘smoky coal ban’ as it is commonly known) was first introduced in Dublin in 1990 in response to severe episodes of winter smog that resulted from the widespread use of smoky coal for residential heating. The ban proved very effective in reducing particulate matter and sulphur dioxide levels in Dublin. As well as bringing air quality levels into compliance with the then EU standards, the ban also had the effect of significantly improving human health in the capital. Research indicated that the ban in Dublin has resulted in over 350 fewer annual deaths. The ban was subsequently extended to other urban areas.

In August 2012, following a public consultation process, new solid fuel regulations were introduced with the aim of ensuring that the smoky coal ban remains fit for purpose in safeguarding air quality by limiting harmful emissions of air pollutants arising from the use of certain residential solid fuels. The ban now applies in 26 urban areas nationwide, including all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated towns for the purpose of air quality management under the EU Cleaner Air for Europe Directive 2008/50/EC.

The ban has not previously been applied in Midleton, as it is not an EPA designated urban air quality management zone. However, the local authorities may at any time write to me to propose new towns for consideration for inclusion under the ban, if it is considered necessary to protect local air quality. It is suggested that, if a local authority is considering such a proposal, then this should first be debated as a Council motion and subject to a period of local consultation. This was the approach taken in relation to the recent consolidation of ban area boundaries in Celbridge/Maynooth and Wexford.

Air quality monitoring by the EPA has indicated that air quality is poorer in towns where the smoky coal ban does not apply, although smaller smoky coal ban areas may be more difficult to enforce. The further extension of the ban to smaller towns on an individual basis may not be the most effective solution to addressing the problem of emissions from residential solid fuel use in these areas. However, it is recognised that having different regulations between urban and rural locations is not ideal, as it results in different levels of environmental protection and clean air benefits for citizens in different locations.