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Air Quality

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022

Tuesday, 26 April 2022

Questions (325)

Carol Nolan

Question:

325. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way that he intends enforce the new air quality regulations; if such enforcement will carry criminal or civil penalties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21043/22]

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Written answers

Local Authorities are, and will continue to be, responsible for the enforcement of solid fuel regulations. The new enhanced solid fuel regulations are being drafted to ensure that Local Authorities have sufficient powers to ensure effective compliance within their functional areas. The Programme for Government also includes a commitment to develop a regional approach to air quality enforcement. Officials from my Department and the Local Government Management Agency are now working together on a full assessment of the current state of the sector and scoping out the resource requirements to ensure the most appropriate and cost-effective enforcement structure is put in place.

This structure will be established to support the provision of enhanced co-ordination, expertise and advice ensuring consistent implementation of all air quality legislation across the country. I have secured funding of €1.2 million for 2022 for the provision of additional supports in this regard.

This work will continue over the coming months on additional projects and opportunities for collaboration, providing the groundwork for the new enforcement structure.

Enforcement actions taken in relation to the solid fuel regulations will be civil offences and incur penalties as provided for by the Air Pollution Act 1987. The focus of inspections and associated actions will be on supporting compliance by solid fuel producers, distributors, and retailers with the enhanced standards to be introduced and to ensure that the most polluting fuels are no longer available on the Irish market.  

Question No. 326 answered with Question No. 309.
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