Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
138. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of money that has been ringfenced for local enforcement of the national smokey coal ban, given that one-third of coal sold in this jurisdiction is illegal bituminous coal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47271/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has worked with the Local Government Management Agency to develop the business case for an enhanced enforcement structure to support the provision of improved co-ordination, expertise, and advice to underpin consistent implementation of all air quality legislation across the country. I have made funding of up to €3m available to support this regional enforcement group and I expect the business case to be submitted formally to the sector for approval in the coming months.
In the absence of a co-ordination body, officials from my Department have been engaging directly with enforcement personnel on the ground, developing guidance and training, holding workshops, providing funding, and supporting the sharing of best practice in relation to a range of air quality legislative obligations that are under the remit of the Local Authorities. I have provided grant funding of over €600,000 to support enforcement efforts on the ground, including a solid fuels sampling programme and an online sales pilot project.
My Department has also engaged extensively with the solid fuel industry, and with retailers, and retailer representative bodies, and is aware of their concerns, including the supply of non-approved and non-tax compliant fuel from outside this jurisdiction.
Tax evasion, with respect to both Carbon Tax and VAT can distort the market irrespective of the type of fuel type being sold as these taxes apply to both low smoke and smoky coal products. Any concerns or information regarding tax evasion should be reported directly to Revenue. Details on how to report such activity can be found at www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/assist-us/reporting-shadow-economy-activity/index.aspx
