Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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114. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps taken by his Department to address emissions from the domestic burning of wood in open fires or in stoves; his plans to bring forward legislation on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63089/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As with other solid fuels used for domestic heating, the burning of wood is a source of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) which is associated with some 1,300 premature deaths in Ireland each year. I am committed to addressing this critical public health and environmental challenge through enhanced regulation of all solid fuels. I have, therefore, announced that under new regulations governing the use of solid fuels in Ireland, wood sold in single units under two cubic metres will be required to have a moisture content of 25% or less, moving to 20% within four years. “Wet” wood sold over these volumes will be required to come with instructions for the purchaser on how to dry this wood.

My Department is continuing to draft the new solid fuel regulations with the intention of introducing these measures, and further provisions for other solid fuels, in advance of the 2022/23 heating season. I am confident that the introduction of these regulations will serve to improve the quality of the air that we breathe, and the health of the public that we serve.