James Browne
Ceist:154. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks the status of a nationwide smoky fuel ban; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22075/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 8 September 2020
Ceisteanna (154)
Freagraí scríofa
From 1 September 2020, I added thirteen new Low Smoke Zones (LSZs) to the existing LSZs, the first of which were introduced in 1990. The effect of this latest important step is that all Irish towns with populations in excess of 10,000 are now LSZs within which the marketing, sale and distribution of certain fuels is prohibited. This will have a positive impact in terms of reducing particulate matter and sulphur dioxide levels in the areas selected, with consequent public health benefits for residents of these new zones. Regarding the application of the LSZ approach on a nationwide basis, a number of coal firms have indicated that they would legally challenge such a move. The basis of their challenge is that a nationwide approach cannot be adopted without applying it also to the burning of peat, turf and wet wood, because they assert that these products produce similar levels of pollution to coal. The legal threat is not only to frustrate any new nationwide ban, but to remove the existing ban.
In that context, we have given a commitment in the Programme for Government to work towards a full nationwide extension of the regulations over the lifetime of the Government. The Department is taking the first step in this process by developing a public consultation document which recognises the need for a more comprehensive approach to the regulation of solid fuel generally, with a view to ensuring a transition to lower polluting fuels for residential heating. Responses received to the consultation will help to inform the decisions made regarding the implementation and enforcement of a nationwide extension.
It is intended to commence this public consultation process this year.