Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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601. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he cleared the smoky coal ban through the technical regulation information system, TRIS, process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26491/19]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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602. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the detail of each part of the process of consultation and discussion with the EU on the smoky coal ban in chronological order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26493/19]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 601 and 602 together.

My Department has had a number of engagements with the European Commission about aspects of Ireland's air quality policy, including the proposed national extension of the smoky coal ban. A Clean Air Dialogue was held between Ireland and the Commission in March 2017, to promote actions to improve air quality and contribute to Ireland's implementation of EU clean air legislation. The productive dialogue included discussion of the proposed national ban, and is summarised in shared conclusions which can be found at the following address: www.dccae.gov.ie/documents/CAD%20conclusions%20%20Final.pdf.

Under Directive (EU) 2015/1535, the European Commission operates the Technical Regulation Information System, or TRIS. This system is a tool for information, prevention and dialogue in the field of technical regulations on products and information society services. It is intended to help anticipate and prevent the creation of barriers to trade.

Draft regulations to give effect to the proposed ban were uploaded by my Department to the TRIS system in August 2017, along with a policy analysis statement. No comments or submissions were received from the Commission or from any Member State relating to the draft regulations. The Asthma Society of Ireland made a submission which supported the regulations.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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604. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when it will be possible to introduce the smoky coal ban to the 73 towns that still do not have it in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26495/19]

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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611. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to introduce a nationwide ban on smoky coal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26738/19]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 604 and 611 together.

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. I am disappointed that a number of coal firms have indicated that they would challenge the decision of two former Ministers to expand the smoky coal ban nationwide. Banning the use of smoky coal would have a positive impact on air quality and public health, particularly in built up areas.

I am working with the Attorney General to finalise a legally robust plan which will improve air quality by reducing particulate matter in the air. High levels of particulate matter arise from a number of sources, including the burning of smoky coal.