Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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1168. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the banning of creosote from April 2022; if derogation has been or is available to individuals and businesses who require it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16732/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The approval and uses of creosote as a wood preservative were recently reviewed under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation.

The EU review process, which was managed by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), resulted in a renewal of approval for creosote that was limited in its scope due to significant concerns, including the carcinogenic potential for humans.

Permitted uses were restricted to industrial vacuum pressure impregnation of wood used for railway sleepers, electricity poles and telecommunications poles only.

The renewal Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2022/1950) came into force on 1 November 2022 and stipulates that from 30th April 2023 only railway sleepers or utility poles for electricity or telecommunications treated with creosote may be placed on the market in EU Member States.

A national derogation to allow for placing on the Irish market of creosote treated agricultural and equine fencing beyond 30 April 2023 is not possible under the regulatory framework.

It should be noted that timber already treated with creosote and sold to end users e.g. farmers before 30 April 2023, can be used after that date.