Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2022
179. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of dedicated funding that will be provided to each local authority to monitor and enforce the smoky coal ban and any future solid fuel regulations as part of the forthcoming Clean Air Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24266/22]
View answerLocal Authorities are, and will continue to be, responsible for the enforcement of solid fuel regulations. The new enhanced solid fuel regulations are being drafted so 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 and additional projects and opportunities for collaboration will be developed, providing the groundwork for the new enforcement structure.
