Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

115. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment for the most up-to-date regulations on wood-burning, and any future changes coming down the line in relation to wood-burning stoves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44346/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 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.

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.

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 special equipment is not necessarily required. All producers must however be certified and registered with the EPA. More details can be found at EPA.ie/solidfuelregulations and www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/289947/4334c78b-4c00-4fe0-9a2f-8ceffe9f6147.pdf#page=null.

At present this Department has no plans to introduce any additional requirements on wood burning stoves which are already regulated under the EcoDesign Directive.

EU regulations mandate that stoves meet specific standards for efficiency and environmental impact. Aligned with the broader Ecodesign Directive, these regulations aim to enhance the overall energy and environmental performance of products.

Ecodesign compliance ensures that products, including stoves, meet minimum efficiency and environmental criteria. SEAI, in its role as the MSA, reviews stoves for compliance with Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2015/1185 and Energy Labelling Regulation (EU) 2015/1186. See: www.seai.ie/sites/default/files/publications/Ecodesign-compliant-stoves-leaflet-for-consumers.pdf