Brendan Griffin
Ceist:506. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52853/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 18 December 2018
Ceisteanna (506)
Freagraí scríofa
The question of regulation of domestic solid fuel use will be addressed in the context of the Clean Air Strategy, which will provide the framework for a set of cross-Government policies and actions to reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality and public health to meet current and future EU and international obligations.
Comprehensive analysis of the replies received to the public consultation on the Strategy has been completed, and my officials have been engaging with other Departments, Agencies and stakeholders, in order to finalise the strategy by the end of February next. A key focus of the current work is to ensure that there is maximum synergy between the Clean Air Strategy and the forthcoming National Air Pollution Control Programme mandated under the National Emission Ceilings Directive.
In relation to cost, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland has published figures comparing the respective costs of domestic fuels. These are available online at https://www.seai.ie/resources/publications/Domestic-Fuel-Cost-Comparison.pdf and show that while low smoke fuels are typically more expensive to buy on a weight-by-weight basis, they have a higher heat output than coal or lignite nuggets and, therefore, represent good value for money.
In addition, relief from solid fuel carbon tax for certain fuels has been provided. Relief is available at 50% of the solid fuel carbon tax rate for products with a verified biomass content of at least 50%, and at 30% of the solid fuel carbon tax rate for products with a verified biomass content of between 30% and 50%. The relief has been restricted to clean or ‘low smoke’ solid fuels to avoid unintended health impacts, particularly from particulate emissions of ‘smoky’ products. This should incentivise the promotion of cleaner and lower carbon fuels.