Aindrias Moynihan
Question:125. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans on ending the use of creosote; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18538/23]
View answerThursday, 20 April 2023
Questions (125)
Written answers
The approval and uses of creosote as a wood preservative were recently reviewed under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is the Competent Authority in Ireland with responsibility for this legislation.
The EU review process, which was managed by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), resulted in a renewal of approval for creosote that was limited in its scope due to significant concerns, including the carcinogenic potential for humans. This means there is a cancer risk for humans associated with the use of creosote.
Permitted uses were restricted to industrial vacuum pressure impregnation of wood used for railway sleepers, electricity poles and telecommunications poles only.
The renewal Regulation came into force on 1st November 2022 and stipulates that from 30th April 2023 only railway sleepers or utility poles for electricity or telecommunications treated with creosote may be placed on the market in EU Member States.
Timber already treated with creosote and sold to end users before 30th April 2023, can be used after that date.
Officials within the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have engaged proactively with stakeholders to raise awareness about the restrictions on creosote use and their implications.
Details on the alternative products can be found on the our website (www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie). The Department continues to work to progress the availability of further alternative wood preservative products.