Burning of ‘smoky’ coal a hot topic ahead of nationwide ban

ACCORDING to 2016 report by the Organisation for Economic Co- Operation and Development (OECD) unless we clean up our air ‘ by the middle of the century one person will die prematurely every five seconds from outdoor pollution’.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has further estimated there are up to 1,500 early deaths each year in Ireland due to air pollution, with the burning of bituminous coal and other smoky solid fuels acknowledged to be the greatest threat to air quality.

With this in mind, as the cold weather approaches and the lure of open fires and cosy stoves become ever more appealing, Cork County Council has launched a campaign aimed at encouraging people to rethink their fuel choices over the winter months.

The campaign could not be more timely, with Ireland this year set to become the first European country to introduce a nationwide ban on the sale, distribution and burning of bituminous ‘smoky’ coal.

While the ban currently only applies to designated zones in main cities and larger towns, its extension will effectively turn the whole state into a ‘ low smoke zone’ by next winter.

While the Mayor of County Cork, Cllr Patrick Gerard Murphy acknowledged the reality that many homes rely on solid fuel as their main heat source, he said there were a range of low-smoke products available on the market.

“We are simply asking people to take simple steps to protect the air quality, both in their homes and beyond,” said Cllr Murphy.

Warming to the theme, Cork County Council chief executive Tim Lucey pressed home the point that low-smoke was not only cleaner, it was also more energy efficient, ultimately saving money each year.

“We also encourage households to only use dry timber and peat products and never burn household waste in their fires or stoves.”

As part of their drive to enforce the new regulations, the council’s environment directorate has pledged to continue its rigorous awareness, monitoring and enforcement programme, undertaking regular inspections on retailers, coal merchants and coal delivery trucks over the coming year.

A spokesperson warned the maximum on-the-spot fine for marketing and selling smoky coal has now been increased to €1,000 of €5,000 on summary conviction.

“Staff will also call to private homes where it appears that bituminous coal is being burned within the current smokeless zone,” they warned.

“Our 2019 awareness plan will strive to drive the realisation of the vital need to safeguard our air quality, urging consumers to opt for low smoke fuel alternatives, ensuring Cork is at the forefront of the move to cleaner and more efficient fuels ahead of the nationwide ban,

For more information about the campaign and advice on alternative fuel sources visit the environment section at www.corkcoco.ie.