Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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243. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32294/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Killarney was designated as a Low Smoke Zone in order to reduce air pollution and promote public health in the area.  Fine particulate matter is the pollutant of most concern from domestic solid fuel burning while the main health effects of air pollution are stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and both chronic and acute respiratory diseases, including asthma.The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) publishes a quarterly report comparing fuel costs and heat energy output.  The most recent figures available demonstrate that not only do low smoke ovoids produce more heat than bituminous coal, but they also deliver better value for money to the consumer in terms of cost per unit of energy delivered. These figures are available on the SEAI website at .

The European Environment Agency Report Air Quality in Europe 2019 indicates that in 2016 there were 1,180 premature mortalities arising from air pollution in Ireland. The vast majority of these, 1,100, are attributable to fine particulate matter. The same report indicates 12,000 years of life lost, indicating significantly earlier mortality for those deaths. Banning smoky coal saves lives and improves health outcomes.

Ultimately in order to improve our air quality, we must reduce our reliance upon the burning of solid fossil fuels. This is being supported by an allocation of €221 million for home and community retrofitting provided for in Budget 2021. This 82% increase on the 2020 budget is being funded through carbon tax revenue and includes €109 million in additional supports for low income homes.