Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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123. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the procedure in circumstances in which it appears that households are burning smoky coal. [63475/21]

Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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150. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the funding that is available to local authorities seeking to improve air quality. [1943/22]

Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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151. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there is a ban on all smoky fuels. [1944/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 123, 150 and 151 together.

Inspections of households in designated Low Smoke Zones where it is suspected that bituminous coal is being used are procedural matters for the relevant Local Authority, and my Department has no direct function in this regard.

My Department does not compile data regarding the resources allocated by individual Local Authorities to undertake specific functions, such as air quality monitoring or enforcement. It is at the discretion of each Local Authority to decide its own priorities and to allocate staff and resources accordingly. Funding of such services would generally be met from the Exchequer and by the Local Authority’s own resources. I am, however, working to improve the resources available to Local Authorities for air quality matters, particularly the enforcement of solid fuel regulations. Discussions with the Local Authority sector have commenced with the intention of establishing dedicated resources within regional lead authorities to provide co-ordination, expertise and advice to support consistent enforcement of air quality legislation.

My Department is fully committed to supporting Local Authorities in this regard and has already commenced work with the sector to develop guidance, training and the sharing of best practice. In addition, I have secured funding of €1.2 million for 2022 to continue to enhance enforcement expertise, including through the provision of additional supports for the most effective model of enforcement.

The current solid fuel regulations apply only to specified fuels such as bituminous coal in designated Low Smoke Zones. However, in light of evidence showing the polluting effects of other solid fuel, from September 2022, new solid fuel regulations will be introduced which will set minimum standards for all solid fuels placed on the market in Ireland.Introducing these standards will improve the quality of the air that we breathe, and the health of the public that we serve.