Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2022
30. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the ban on the commercial sale of turf will come into effect; the other fuel types that will be affected by the proposed ban; if commercial operators will be allowed a grace period beyond the date of the ban; the penalties that commercial operators will incur if they continue to sell beyond the ban date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46578/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new solid fuel regulations will come into force on 31 October this year and will introduce minimum quality standards that will apply to all solid fuels distributed throughout the State. This will ensure that the most polluting can no longer be made available on the Irish market and will assist the public in transitioning to less polluting alternatives.
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.
While the regulations will not impinge upon traditional local practices associated with sod peat, the sale of turf from retail premises, on the internet and by means of other media will not be permitted.
The regulations will also prohibit the sale or other distribution of:
- Coal products and manufactured solid fuels with a smoke emission rate of greater than 10 grams per hour;
- Manufactured part biomass products with a smoke emission rate of greater than 5 grams per hour;
- Coal products and manufactured solid fuels, including manufactured part biomass products, with sulphur content greater than 2% by weight on a dry ash-free basis; and
-100% biomass products, including wood products and wood logs, supplied in units of two cubic metres or less, with a moisture content of greater than 25% (moving to 20% with effect from 1 September 2025).
In addition, wood logs supplied in units more than two cubic metres will be required to be accompanied by a notice giving instructions on how to dry the wood.
There will be no period of grace for any solid fuel producer or retailer after the effective date of the regulations. Officials from my Department have continued to work with industry and retailers to prepare for the new regulatory framework and more information for the sector, including FAQs, is available at www.gov.ie/cleanair
Enforcement actions will be a matter for Local Authorities and non-compliance with the provisions of the solid fuel regulations will incur penalties, as provided for by the Air Pollution Act 1987. Once the regulations are introduced, initial enforcement efforts will focus on working with and providing assistance to retailers in understanding and complying with their obligations under new regulatory framework.
