Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
179. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the action being taken to curtail the importation and distribution of coal that does not meet the State’s environmental standards, from Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16598/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra180. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the importation and distribution of coal that does not meet the State’s environmental standards, from Northern Ireland, is being monitored by his Department; if he is aware of the impact said importation and distribution is having on the business of legitimate fuel distributors in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16599/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra181. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his Department’s plans to provide local authorities with additional and improved supports/facilities with regards their enforcement of the Air Pollution Act 1987 (Solid Fuels) Regulations 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16600/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 179 to 181, inclusive, together.
Local Authorities are responsible for the enforcement of the solid fuel regulations, identifying unauthorised fuels placed on the market and taking measures to counteract any illegal trade. They are also responsible for the allocation of appropriate resources to ensure that they can fulfil their air quality enforcement obligations. It is at the discretion of each Local Authority to decide its own priorities and to allocate staff and resources accordingly. Funding of such services would generally be met from the Exchequer and Local Authority own resources.
The enforcement responsibilities of Local Authorities include monitoring and taking appropriate enforcement action against imports of unapproved solid fuels from other jurisdictions. I am conscious of the impact any such imports have on legitimate solid fuel suppliers within the State.
To address this and other enforcement matters, my Department and the Local Government Management Agency are continuing to work together to establish an enhanced enforcement support structure. This structure will support the provision of improved co-ordination, expertise, and advice to support consistent implementation of air quality legislation across the country. It will also facilitate co-ordinated, intelligence-led enforcement activities with other authorities such as An Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners.
In the interim, my Department is also continuing to engage with enforcement personnel on the ground, developing guidance and training, and supporting the sharing of best practice in relation to a range of legislative obligations that are under the remit of the Local Authorities.
I also made grant funding available in 2022 to support Local Authorities through a pilot solid fuels enforcement scheme to support innovation and enhanced enforcement of the new solid fuel regulations. The Local Authorities involved have reported on the outcomes of their pilot enforcement schemes.
Given the success of this initiative I am making a further €500,000 available to Local Authorities for further enforcement projects to be undertaken this year. My Department will continue to work with the sector into the future to provide further co-ordination and support as appropriate.
Additional funding will also be made available to support the establishment of the new enforcement structure following its approval by the local authority sector.
