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Energy Regulation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021

Wednesday, 21 April 2021

Questions (248, 249, 250)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

248. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the expected timeframe for the announcement of findings from the consultation on the development of new solid fuel regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19227/21]

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Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

249. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the survey regarding public engagement in relation to the consultation on the development of new solid fuel regulations will be activated. [19228/21]

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Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

250. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he envisages changes following the consultation on the development of new solid fuel regulations for persons who collect, dry and use waste wood to heat their homes using wood burning stoves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19229/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 248 to 250, inclusive, together.

Each year, some 1,300 people die prematurely in Ireland due to air pollution from solid fuel burning. It is estimated that there are over 16,200 years of life lost, while many people also experience a poor quality of life due to the associated short- and long-term health impacts of this form of pollution.

I remain committed to addressing this critical public health and environmental challenge through a nationwide ban on smoky coal and enhanced regulation of other solid fuels.

The recent public consultation, which sought views on how we regulate all solid fuels that contribute to air pollution, was the first step in this process. The consultation, including the public engagement survey, ran from 18 February to 2 April.

My Department received more than 3,500 responses to the technical consultation, survey and questionnaire. These submissions are currently being considered with a view to informing a new framework for how we regulate all solid fuels, which I intend to publish in the coming weeks.

As this review process is ongoing, I am not yet in a position to give an indication of what decisions will be taken in relation to the regulation of specific  fuels, including wood collected by householders. I would, however, point out that it is already an offence under the Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations 2009, to burn ‘waste’ wood which has been treated, painted, varnished, lacquered, glued, or had any similar substance added, as this causes the release of toxic and cancer-causing air pollutants.

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