Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2022
131. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views in relation to the penalties regarding new legislation around solid fuels (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55225/22]
View answerThe new regulations on solid fuels do not ban the burning of any fuel in any location. The primary focus of these regulations is to ensure that only lower smoke products are available to buy through commercial, online and retail channels. The ban on burning non approved fuels, which was a feature of the previous regulations, has been removed to ensure that those with access to turf or stocks of fuels which are no longer approved would be able to continue to use them. I want to emphasise that there is no provision made in the new regulations for fines and/or prison sentences for “excessive” burning of turf or any other solid fuel. Enforcement of the regulations are a matter for Local Authorities and initial efforts will focus on working with and helping key stakeholders in understanding and complying with their obligations under the new regulations. Retailers, producers, and those transporting non-approved fuels, may face fines and/or prosecution for breaches of the regulations, but there are no offences within the new regulations that would apply directly to householders.
