Smoky coal ban on the way

In the coming months, Ireland will be the first country in Europe to introduce a nationwide ban on the marketing, sale, distribution and burning of ‘smoky coal’. The entire state is being designated as a Low Smoke Zone.

Some commentators, however, believe this will be difficult to enforce in the Border region as lower grade coal or smoky coal is available in the North, and at cheaper rates.

A smoky coal ban was introduced in Dublin in 1990. Research showed it resulted in 350 fewer deaths per year throughout the city. In 2013 it was extended to the next 25 largest urban areas in the country.
Low smoke solid fuel is cleaner and energy efficient. It can deliver improved air quality and human health benefits. The smoky coal ban allowed significant falls in respiratory problems and premature deaths from the effects of burning smoky coal in the existing Low Smoke Zones. The original ban in Dublin is cited widely as a successful policy intervention and has become something of an icon of best practice within the international clean air community.
A period of 12 months will be allocated for the industry to “wash through” existing stock, following by a full ban on the marketing, sale, distribution and burning of ‘smoky coal’ coming into effect through the State.
Where householders continue to rely on solid fuel, there is now a range of innovative low smoke solid fuel products, including low smoke coal products, available on the market. Low smoke solid fuel is cleaner as well as more carbon and heat efficient. It can deliver climate benefits as well as improved air quality and human health benefits. All low smoke solid fuel products must be clearly labeled to allow the householder to make an informed choice about the products they purchase.
For further information, please contact the Environment Section of Cavan County Council on 049 437 8486 or alternatively at environ@cavancoco.ie