Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

157. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the additional measures that will be introduced to prevent the supply of a product in this State (details supplied) in view of the widespread concerns of merchants regarding the availability of this product; when such measures will be introduced; if local authorities are responsible for such enforcement action; if they will be resourced appropriately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21641/22]

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

The new solid fuel regulations due to be enacted this Autumn will place technical standards and restrictions on all solid fuels. It will not be possible to place fuels on the market in Ireland that do not meet the requirements of the regulations, irrespective of from where the fuels in question are sourced. This is one of a suite of new measures being introduced for a range of solid fuels to ensure that the most polluting fuels will no longer be available for sale on the Irish market. Introducing these standards will improve the quality of the air that we breathe, and the health of the public that we serve.

Local Authorities are, and will continue to be, responsible for the enforcement of solid fuel regulations and for the allocation of appropriate resources to ensure that they can fulfil their air quality enforcement obligations. Officials from my Department and the Local Government Management Agency are now working together on the assessment of the sector and the requirements to ensure the most appropriate and cost-effective enforcement structure is put in place.

This structure will establish the provision of enhanced co-ordination, expertise and advice to support consistent implementation of all air quality legislation across the country. I have secured funding of €1.2 million for 2022 to for the provision of additional supports in this regard.

My Department is fully committed to supporting Local Authorities in their enforcement work and has already commenced work with the sector to develop guidance and training, and the sharing of best practice.