Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2022
106. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will clarify the position in relation to cutting turf (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35531/22]
View answerThe new solid fuel regulations will bring no prohibition or new restrictions on the cutting of turf by those who hold turf-cutting rights. I have been clear at all stages that, while the overriding consideration of protecting public health means that measures are required to reduce the emissions and population exposure to emissions associated with burning all solid fuels including peat, I and this Government propose to achieve these reductions by addressing commercial sales of solid fuels, including peat.
The regulations, which will be agreed by Government shortly, will ensure that while measures are introduced to enhance the quality of our air, they will not impinge on domestic-scale turf extraction or personal sales of turf extracted at a domestic scale.
The greatest health impact of turf-burning is usually the most direct, via the indoor air quality of those burning the turf. This is something it is vital for all of us to bear in mind as we discuss this issue.
