Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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70.To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if Ireland will be bringing in a ban on the use of carpet fibre in equestrian surfaces (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31261/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The microplastic restriction (Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055) is an EU wide REACH restriction to address concerns about the environment and the potential exposure of people via the environment. As REACH is an EU Regulation, this restriction applies directly in Ireland, as in all EU Member States. It was agreed in September 2023. If the carpet material is not classified as waste and if the material comes within the definition of synthetic polymer microparticles, then the microplastic restriction would apply.

The over-arching restriction is stated in paragraph 1. “Shall not be placed on the market as substances on their own or, where the synthetic polymer microparticles are present to confer a sought-after characteristic, in mixtures in a concentration equal to or greater than 0,01 % by weight.”

Some of the products impacted by the restriction include infill material used on synthetic sport surfaces. The ban on granular infill material applies from 17 October 2031, and it covers the sale, not use.

Paragraph 1 shall apply as follows regarding the following uses:(j) from 17 October 2031 for granular infill for use on synthetic sports surfaces.

The European Commission, in cooperation with Member States, is currently working on detailed guidance for this REACH restriction.

Officials from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment will facilitate a meeting with the Deputy if he wishes to provide further details.