Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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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. Following a public consultation process it was extended in 2012, and now applies in 26 urban areas nationwide. The ban has proved very effective in reducing particulate matter and sulphur dioxide levels and has had the effect of significantly improving public health; research indicates, for example, that the ban has resulted in over 350 fewer annual deaths in Dublin alone.

Given its positive impact on the nation's health, I am committed to extending the ban nationwide. This process necessarily involves discussion and consultation with a wide number of stakeholders, including with the European Commission, relevant Departments and agencies, the residential fuel industry, and the general public.  Preliminary discussions on issues that may arise in connection with the proposed nationwide ban have already taken place with some of these stakeholders.

My Department is currently developing the first ever national Clean Air Strategy which will provide the strategic framework for a set of cross-Government policies and actions to reduce harmful emissions and improve our air quality. The strategy will also impact a wide range of other national policies that are relevant to air quality such as transport, energy and agriculture. The issue of residential home heating is a key feature of the strategy and a consultation process on the strategy will commence shortly. I would expect that the strategy will be published by the end of 2017 and will, inter alia,indicate a timeline for the nationwide extension of the ban on smoky coal.