Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

133. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of prosecutions that have been made by Donegal County Council under the terms of the Air Pollution Act 1987 regarding the sale and burning of smoky coal in the designated low-smoke zone, Letterkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1304/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Enforcement action against breaches of the Air Pollution Act (Marketing, Sale, Distribution and Burning of Specified Fuels) Regulations 2012 is a matter for Local Authorities and my Department does not compile statistics in relation to prosecutions taken or fines imposed. Local Authorities report information to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) annually regarding enforcement activities under environmental legislation. Details of Local Authority enforcement of environmental legislation, are available from the series of Local Authority Environmental Performance Assessment reports compiled by the EPA. These reports can be accessed at: www.epa.ie/our-services/compliance--enforcement/support-and-supervision-of-local-councils/la-performance/  

It should be noted that 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 implementation of air quality legislation across the country. I have secured funding of €1.2 million for 2022 to enhance enforcement expertise, including through the provision of additional supports for the most effective model of enforcement which will be delivered through the regional lead authorities.