New regulations governing the sale of solid fuels in Ireland are to be introduced at the end of October. These extend the previous restrictions on selling smoky coal in the “Low Smoke Zones” of Clonmel and its environs to the entire county of Tipperary. Restrictions on the sale of wet wood and turf are also being introduced. Tipperary County Council has published three guides for householders, fuel retailers and producers/importers.
Local Authorities will be checking with retailers to ensure they comply with the regulations. It will be an offence to transport unapproved fuels into the State. Households can use any stocks of unapproved fuels in their home.
The changes are being introduced as a support to better health as burning of these fuels is a major contributor to air pollution in Ireland. It is accepted that each year up to 1,300 people die as a result of inhalation of fine particulate matter, primarily associated with domestic solid fuel burning. Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) is linked to respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, dementia and impacts on the central nervous and reproductive systems.
The regulations apply to coal products, manufactured solid fuels and manufactured part biomass products. Wood products also have to meet new requirements for moisture content.
People with turbary(turf cutting) rights are allowed to cut turf for their own use and will retain the ability to gift or sell turf. However, no sale of turf may take place by way of the internet or other media (i.e. advertising in local press), or from retail premises. The Regulations are enforced by Tipperary County Council. Inspections are carried out on retailers, including solid fuel merchants and delivery trucks.
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