Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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209. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to extend the ban on bituminous coal to any new urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7320/15]

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 indicates 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 (S.I. No. 326 of 2012) 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 towns with a population greater than 15,000 people, bringing the ban areas broadly into line with national EPA air quality management zones.

While my Department keeps the matter under regular review, I have no immediate plans at present to extend the ban to new towns.