'Smoky Coal Ban' extended to Ashbourne from September

Ashbourne is one of the 13 new areas to be covered by the 'Smoky Coal Ban'. The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Eamon Ryan, has signed Regulations to give legal effect to the extension of the smoky coal ban to all towns with populations over 10,000 people.

From 1st September 2020, the burning, sale and marketing of smoky coal will be prohibited in these additional 13 areas across the country.

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”.

The geographical boundaries of the new Low Smoke Zones have been defined following extensive liaison with the relevant local authorities. An interactive online map, to illustrate both the existing Low Smoke Zones and the new ones that will be in effect from 1st September 2020, 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. Navan is already covered by a smoky coal ban.