Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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178. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps being taken by him and his Department towards the implementation of new domestic solid fuel standards following his announcement on 7 September 2021; if a detailed timeline for implementation will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10548/22]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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187. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position on banning smoky coal fuel; and if provisions will be made for exemptions for certain vintage machinery such as locomotive engines and tractors. [10740/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 187 together.

Each year, some 1,300 people die prematurely in Ireland due to air pollution from solid fuel burning. It is estimated that there are over 16,200 life years lost, while many people also experience a poor quality of life due to the associated short, and long-term, health impacts of this form of pollution. I remain committed to addressing this critical public health and environmental challenge through the introduction of New Solid Fuel Regulations for Ireland.

The Regulations are now drafted and will be progressing through the EU Technical Regulation Information System as required in the coming weeks. The regulations will introduce minimum standards for all solid fuels placed on the market in Ireland. These new standards have been outlined since September 2021 when I announced that they would be in place by September 2022.

Introducing these standards will improve the quality of the air that we breathe, and the health of the public.

In relation to vintage machinery, the regulations apply to solid fuels that are placed on the market for residential heating, and should not impact on fuels supplied for the purposes of powering vintage machinery such as the examples given by the Deputy.  The Department will work with key vintage engine stakeholders to develop guidance on this in advance of the introduction of the regulations.