Ban on smoky coal in force in Tullamore from September 1

The burning, sale and marketing of smoky coal will be prohibited in Tullamore from September 1.

Tullamore is one of 13 new urban areas where the existing smoky coal ban is to be extended, following the signing of regulations by Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Eamon Ryan.

ABOVE: The area in Tullamore in which the ban applies.

The 13 new urban areas, all towns with populations over 10,000 people, join the existing 28 cities and large towns where the ban already applies.

Minister Ryan said: "I am very pleased to extend this ban to a further 13 urban areas and I would like to I thank the local authorities for their cooperation”.

This measure will reduce air pollution and promote public health. The main health effects of air pollution include stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and both chronic and acute respiratory diseases, including asthma. Fine particulate matter, the pollutant of most concern from domestic solid fuel burning is linked to a range of diseases. Banning smoky coal saves lives and improves health outcomes”.

An interactive online map, to illustrate both the existing Low Smoke Zones and the new ones that will be in effect from September 1 is now available. The map includes an Eircode search facility, whereby a user can enter the Eircode of any particular premises, to see whether or not it falls within a Low Smoke Zone.

The interactive map is HERE

Local authorities are primarily responsible for the enforcement of the smoky coal ban within their functional areas.

Local authority staff may undertake inspections of premises and vehicles being used for the sale and distribution of solid fuel as well as collect samples;

A local authority may also bring a prosecution under the Air Pollution Act for breaches of the Regulations

And a local authority may issue a Fixed Payment Notice (or 'on the spot fine') for offences relating to the marketing, sale and distribution of prohibited fuels in Low Smoke Zones (LSZs), with a penalty range of €250 to €1000.