Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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155. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the solid fuel regulations that came into force on 31 October 2022; the measures in place to enforce them; how they have been resourced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21743/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Air Pollution Act 1987 (Solid Fuels) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 529 of 2022), which took effect from 31 October 2022, introduce minimum quality standards that apply to all solid fuels distributed throughout the State. This is to ensure that the most polluting fuels can no longer be made available on the Irish market and to assist the public in transitioning to less polluting alternatives.

Local Authorities are responsible for the enforcement of the solid fuel regulations, identifying unauthorised fuels placed on the market and taking measures to counteract any illegal trade. Indications from Local Authorities to date are that there has been a high level of compliance.

Local Authorities are also responsible for the allocation of appropriate resources to ensure that they can fulfil their air quality enforcement obligations. It is at the discretion of each Local Authority to decide its own priorities and to allocate staff and resources accordingly. Funding of such services would generally be met from the Exchequer and Local Authority own resources.

My Department and the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) are continuing to work together to establish an enhanced enforcement support structure. This structure will support the provision of improved co-ordination, expertise and advice to support consistent implementation of air quality legislation across the country.

In the interim, my Department is also continuing to engage with enforcement personnel on the ground, developing guidance and training, and supporting the sharing of best practice in relation to a range of legislative obligations that are under the remit of the Local Authorities.

I also made grant funding available in 2022 to support Local Authorities through a pilot solid fuels enforcement scheme to support innovation and enhanced enforcement of the new solid fuel regulations. The Local Authorities involved have reported on the outcomes of their pilot enforcement schemes.

I intend to make €500,000 available to Local Authorities in the coming months for further enforcement projects to be undertaken this year and will continue to work with the sector into the future to provide further co-ordination and support as appropriate. Funding will be made available to support the enhanced enforcement structure once the optimum model has been agreed with the LGMA.