Air Pollution

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 April 2021

Thursday, 29 April 2021

Questions (11)

Marian Harkin

Question:

11. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he will announce the outcome of the consultation and amendments that will be implemented along with timeframes for implementing changes to new solid fuel regulations for Ireland now that the public consultation on the development has ended on 2 April 2021; the date submissions made to the public consultation will be made available to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22455/21]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

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 life years 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. My Department received more than 3,500 responses to the technical consultation, survey and questionnaire.

It is my intention to publish these submissions alongside a new, legally robust, and evidence-based framework for how we regulate all solid fuels in the near future.