Written answers

Tuesday, 14 July 2015

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Bituminous Fuel Ban

Photo of Terence FlanaganTerence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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842. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if the recommendation by the Asthma Society of Ireland to ban smoky coal nationally will be considered, in view of the fact that the European Environmental Agency estimates that 1, 229 lives were lost prematurely here in just one year due to air pollution,; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29132/15]

Photo of Alan KellyAlan 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. In August 2012, following a public consultation process, new solid fuel regulations, the Air Pollution Act (Marketing, Sale, Distribution and Burning of Specified Fuels) Regulations 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.

Under the auspices of the North South Ministerial Council, and in conjunction with the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland, my Department has commissioned a study on emissions from residential solid fuel use on an all-island basis. The study includes:

- an assessment of the solid fuel market and barriers to the use of cleaner fuels;

- consideration of the role and impacts of biomass (primarily wood and wood-based products) and the links to climate policy; and

- an economic analysis addressing the potential positive and negative effects on the consumer, for example, resulting from potential fuel switching, the availability of smokeless fuels to supply an all-island market and job creation opportunities in the manufacture and supply of smokeless fuels.

A final report is expected to be presented to the North South Ministerial Council later this year, and this report will inform a discussion on future policy options in this area.

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