Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 March 2022
51. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the proposed smoky coal ban will be in place from 1 September 2022; if so, when the regulations will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11983/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI remain committed to introducing new regulations on the use of solid fuels for domestic heating in Ireland with effect from 1 September 2022, in accordance with the announcement I made in September 2021.
The new regulations are necessary as each year, some 1,300 people die prematurely in Ireland due to air pollution from solid fuel burning. It is estimated that there are over 16,200 life years lost, while many people also experience a poor quality of life due to the associated short-term and long-term health impacts of this form of pollution. I remain committed to addressing this critical public health and environmental challenge.
