Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 July 2012
464 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the environment, health and other rationales for the ban on smoky coal; if businesses and residents in the towns affected by the extension of the ban will be notified of the details; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34742/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ban on the marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous fuel (or ‘smoky coal ban' as it is commonly known) was first introduced in Dublin in 1990 in response to severe episodes of winter smog that resulted from the widespread use of smoky coal for residential heating. The ban proved effective in reducing particulate matter and sulphur dioxide levels and was subsequently extended to other urban areas. The ban now applies in twenty towns and cities around the country.
Inhalation of particles can increase the risk or severity of cardiovascular disease and respiratory illness. Air quality monitoring carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that the ban has reduced pollutant emissions very significantly in areas where it has been applied. Reductions of black smoke emissions range from a minimum of 45% in the smaller cities and towns to a high of 70% in Dublin. This has resulted in greatly improved ambient air quality in these areas with consequent health benefits. Research has indicated that the ban in Dublin in 1990 resulted in up to 350 fewer deaths from winter mortality, with an estimated value of these benefits in monetary terms put at over €20 million. The EPA has recommended the extension of the ban to all urban areas in order to deliver further improvements to air quality.
In April 2012, my Department undertook a public consultation to inform and assist a review of the smoky coal ban regulations to ensure that they remain fit for purpose in safeguarding air quality by limiting harmful emissions of air pollutants arising from the use of residential fuels. A total of 49 submissions were received, including submissions from the industry representative Solid Fuel Trade Group (SFTG) as well as individual fuel suppliers.
On 9 July, following the review of submissions received under the public consultation process, I announced the extension of the ban to the use of smoky coal within ban areas to complement the existing ban on the marketing, sale and distribution and amendments to the boundaries of existing ban areas to take account of recent population growth and development. In addition, the ban will be extended to six new towns with populations greater than 15,000 people, as per Census 2011, with effect from May 2013: these towns are Greystones, Letterkenny, Mullingar, Navan, Newbridge and Portlaoise. Wicklow Town will also be included among the new towns subject to the ban, following requests from Wicklow County Council and local representatives. The lead-in period for these new towns will allow local authorities and fuel retailers time to familiarise themselves with the new regulatory requirements in preparation for the switch-over to smokeless fuels.
My Department is currently consulting with relevant local authorities to finalise the proposed boundaries for the ban areas in these new towns. The boundaries will be based on Census 2011 data and will also include appropriate areas in the vicinity of these towns where the premises of solid fuel retailers supplying the local residential market are located. This will ensure that the provisions of the ban are applied evenly to all local retailers and will support the effective implementation of the ban. A set of maps showing the new ban areas is being prepared and will shortly be made available to the public to view and download on my Department's website, www.environ.ie.
