Written answers

Thursday, 17 September 2020

Photo of David CullinaneDavid Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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208. To ask the Minister for Health his plans for acting on smoky coal and air pollution and their impact on health; the extent of his cooperation and engagement with other Departments on the matter to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24608/20]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Policy responsibility regarding smoky coal and air pollution is a matter for the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

My colleague the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, signed regulations in July to add thirteen new Low Smoke Zones (LSZs) to the existing LSZs, the first of which were introduced in 1990. The effect of this latest important step is that all Irish towns with populations in excess of 10,000  are now LSZs within which the marketing, sale, distribution and burning of certain fuels is prohibited. This will have a positive impact in terms of reducing particulate matter and sulphur dioxide levels in the areas selected, with consequent public health benefits for residents of these new zones.

I am informed that the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment is also taking the first step in preparing new solid fuels regulations. This includes the development of a public consultation document which recognises the need for a more comprehensive approach to the regulation of solid fuel, with a view to ensuring a transition to lower polluting fuels for residential heating. My Department will provide input to the consultation as appropriate.

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