Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 7 September 2018
1043. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the initiatives under way and planned to promote the use of environmentally friendly fuels such as smokeless coal by households; the measures in place to prevent the use of harmful fuels in fireplaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36050/18]
View answerThe ban on the marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous coal, or ‘the smoky coal ban’ as it is commonly known, was first introduced in Dublin in 1990, and subsequently extended to our major cities. Following a public consultation process, it was further extended in 2012, and now applies in 26 urban areas nationwide. The ban has proved very effective in reducing particulate matter and sulphur dioxide levels and has had the effect of significantly improving public health. Research indicates, for example, that the ban has resulted in over 350 fewer annual deaths in Dublin alone.
In light of its significant health benefits, I decided to extend the ban nationwide. This process necessarily involves discussion and consultation with a wide number of stakeholders, including with the European Commission, relevant Government Departments and Agencies and the residential fuel industry. Discussions with stakeholders on issues that may arise in connection with the proposed nationwide ban are underway.
Local Authorities, are primarily responsible for the enforcement of legislation on solid fuel including the ‘smoky coal’ regulations within their functional areas at present.
For householders who rely on solid fuel for heating, there is now a range of innovative low smoke solid fuel products, including low smoke coal products, available on the market. Low smoke solid fuel is cleaner and more energy-efficient. It can deliver improved air quality as well as human health benefits. Consumers should contact their solid fuel provider to clarify which of their products are low smoke and which are not.
In relation to cost, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland has published figures comparing the respective costs of domestic fuels. These are available online at https://www.seai.ie/resources/publications/Domestic-Fuel-Cost-Comparison-October-2017.pdf and show that while low smoke fuels are typically more expensive to buy on a weight-by-weight basis, they have a higher heat output than coal or lignite nuggets.
