Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 September 2018
179. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the smoky coal ban commencing 1 September 2018 with all stocks of smoky coal to be sold off and burnt by 1 September 2019 which has not been enacted as promised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39266/18]
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 and environmental benefits, I decided to extend the ban to the entire territory of the State beginning this Autumn. This process is on-going but 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 all these stakeholders on issues that may arise in connection with the proposed nationwide ban are underway.
