Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 July 2020
38. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the new towns that will be included in the proposed extension of the smoky coal ban as per the commitment in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16047/20]
View answerFrom 1 September 2020, the ban on the sale, marketing, distribution and burning of bituminous coal or “The Smoky Coal Ban”, as it is commonly known, is being extended to include the following towns:
- Ashbourne, County Meath
- Ballina, County Mayo
- Castlebar, County Mayo
- Cavan town, County Cavan
- Cobh, County Cork
- Enniscorthy, County Wexford
- Killarney, County Kerry
- Longford town, County Longford
- Mallow, County Cork
- Midleton, County Cork
- Tramore, County Waterford
- Tullamore, County Offaly
In addition, the existing Cork Specified Area (or “Low Smoke Zone”) is being extended to include Carrigtwohill and certain surrounding townlands.
The geographical boundaries of the new Specified Areas were set following extensive consultation with the relevant Local Authorities. My officials are currently in the final stages of drafting the necessary regulations to give effect to the ban.
In addition, and in accordance with the Programme for Government, I will introduce the necessary measures over the term of Government to move towards the implementation of a full nationwide ban.
