Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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168. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if coal sourced in Columbia is for sale in this country; if this product is legal in this State; if not, the efforts that are being made to stop this product being on sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59027/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The new solid fuel regulations, which took effect from 31 October, place technical standards and restrictions on all solid fuels, including coal. It is now illegal to place fuels on the market in Ireland that do not meet the requirements of the regulations, irrespective of where the fuel has been sourced. 

Therefore, coal from Colombia, or anywhere else which does not meet the technical standards, may not be legally sold or otherwise distributed in the State. Under the regulations, producers and importers of coal must register with the Environmental Protection Agency and demonstrate that the coal products they sell or distribute comply with the technical standards.

Local Authorities are responsible for the enforcement of the solid fuel regulations, including identifying unauthorised fuels placed on the market and taking measures to counteract any illegal trade.