Written answers

Tuesday, 16 January 2018

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Bituminous Fuel Ban

Photo of Danny Healy-RaeDanny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1311. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to refrain from extending the nationwide ban on smoky coal in view of the fact that is more expensive and produces less heat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1661/18]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The ban on the marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous coal, or ‘the smoky coal ban’ as it is commonly known, was first introduced in Dublin in 1990, and subsequently extended to our major cities. Following a public consultation process, it was further 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.

Scientific understanding has evolved in the intervening years, however, and numerous studies now indicate that air pollution has impacts on human health at lower levels than was previously understood. Consequently, it is necessary to continue to strengthen policy to enhance air quality for the protection of people’s health and the environment.

Recent monitoring has also revealed that the air quality in some of our smaller towns in winter is worse than that in larger towns where the ban is in place. Given the clear human health benefits, 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 Government Departments and Agencies, the residential fuel industry, and the general public. Discussions with many of these stakeholders on issues that may arise in connection with the proposed nationwide ban are underway. My next step will be to introduce the specific legal measures to give effect to the ban over a twelve month period commencing in Autumn 2018.

In relation to cost, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland has published figures comparing the respective costs of domestic fuels. These are available online at and show that while low smoke fuels are typically more expensive to buy on a weight by weight basis, they have a higher heat output than coal or lignite nuggets. Low smoke fuels, therefore, represent good value for money.

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