Council ‘powerless’ on smoky fuels ban

SMOKY coal and fuels will continue being burned in Co Wexford for the foreseeable future as Wexford County Council is powerless when it comes to imposing a ban.

Fianna Fáil European candidate, Cllr Malcolm Byrne brought a motion before Wexford Co Council’s monthly meeting highlighting the seriously damaging effects on health and the environment of the continued burning of smoky fuels. He said a motion was carried by Wexford County Council in March, 2015, seeking to prohibit the burning of smoky coals in the county.

‘In October of that year then Minister, Alan Kelly, spoke of the Government’s intention to proceed with a nationwide ban,’ he said, adding that a further motion carried by the council in March, 2017, expressed concern at the failure of Government to proceed with this ban and the continued failure since.

Cllr Byrne said a call was made in a motion in March 2017 for the introduction of the ban within six months, adding that the continued evidence of the damage caused by the burning of smoky fuels is being provided by the Council’s own assessments,

He said: ‘ This council now resolves to introduce and enforce a countywide ban on the sale and use of smoky fuels to take effect on June 1, 2019, to provide an information campaign to consumers on the dangers of poor air quality and on this ban.’

He said the council was awaiting a nationwide ban, but, despite being promised three times, this has failed to materialise. He called on the council to bring forward the necessary provisions to ban the burning of smoky fuels. ‘ Too many lives are being put at risk.’

Cllr Robbie Ireton seconded the motion which was passed.

Director of services John Carley said: ‘It’s not possible for this local authority to impose a ban; it’s a matter for national Government. As much as I agree with the member that it’s very important that we introduce this ban unless the Government bring in legislation (nothing can be done).’

Cllr Byrne said he got the same response from the director of services four years ago..

‘You are just coming up with an excuse at this stage,’ he said.

In an effort to extinguish the conflagration chairman Cllr Keith Doyle said the council will seek clarification from the minister.