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Air Pollution

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 November 2018

Thursday, 8 November 2018

Questions (227)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

227. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 586 of 14 December 2017, if the use of smoky coals will still be allowed for certain types of engine, for example, vintage tractor engines and vintage locomotive engines; his plans to make provisions for the use of smoky coal allowable in very specific circumstances in view of his predecessor's announcement on the matter; the timeline for the introduction of the exemptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46400/18]

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Written answers

The 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 since then has been extended to 26 urban areas nationwide, currently known as Low Smoke Zones.  The ban has proved very effective in reducing particulate matter and sulphur dioxide levels within the areas it applies, with an associated significant improvement in public health. Research indicates, for example, that the ban has resulted in over 350 fewer annual deaths in Dublin alone. It is not envisaged that any extension of the ban on the use of bituminous or smoky coal would extend to vintage tractor engines or locomotives.

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