Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent)
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67.To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31181/24]

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, introduced 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.

The primary focus of these regulations is on improving air quality and improving people’s health, by restricting the retail, online and commercial sale of smoky fuels, including smoky coal, turf and wet wood. The regulations do not vary between urban and rural areas.

The Solid Fuel Regulations set technical standards for all solid fuels, including wood. Fuel products which are 100% biomass products, including wood products and wood logs supplied in units of two cubic metres or less, must have a moisture content of less than 25%. Wood logs supplied in units of two cubic metres or more must now be accompanied by a notice outlining the need to store and season wet wood until it is sufficiently dried.

All wood produces air pollution when burned but wood with a lower moisture content produces less particulates, so it is imperative that only wood with a low moisture content is available for sale. Wet wood can also cause damage to solid fuel appliances. The wood can be air dried and as such special equipment is not necessarily required. All producers must however be certified and registered with the EPA. More details can be found at and .

Prosecutions under the Solid Fuel Regulations are brought in accordance with the Air Pollution Act, 1987 which provides for a range of fines of up to €500,000.