EPA calls on local authorities to ban sale of smoky fuels

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has called for Local Authorities to strongly implement the ban on the sale of smoky fuels and further boost support for alternatives to car travel to help improve air quality.

The environmental body found that while air quality in Ireland does comply with current EU standards, achieving the more stringent World Health Organisation (WHO) air quality targets will be very challenging.

The most up to date scientific studies and information from the WHO confirm there are no safe limits of air pollution.

Scientific studies show that the very smallest particles of soot-like pollution can cause respiratory infections, and aggravate asthma as well as enter our bloodstream, causing acidification and inflammation, and aggravate all forms of cardiovascular diseases, including heart conditions and strokes.

The European Environment Agency says these impacts contribute to 1,600 premature deaths per year in Ireland.

The Air Quality in Ireland 2023 report notes that the overall level of air pollution in Ireland has reduced over the recent decades and compares favourably with our European neighbours.

However, it warns that levels of pollutants here are significantly above the updated guidelines from the WHO and this requires a further reduction.

Burning of solid fuel in towns and villages and traffic in our cities are the main sources of dangerous air pollutants.

Ireland has committed to achieving the WHO guideline values by 2040, with interim targets for 2026 and 2030. However the country is not currently on course to exceed those targets.

The EPA said using less solid fuel and cleaner fuels to heat our homes, making our homes more energy efficient and reducing our use of cars to go to school, work and play are actions that will contribute towards achieving our clean air targets.

It is urging Local Authorities to facilitate these choices by acting on the Solid Fuel Regulations and supporting alternatives to car travel.

The report says continued progress on residential retrofit programmes will help to reduce fine particulate matter pollution, but vigilance is also needed to ensure that only compliant solid fuel, such as low smoke coal and dried wood, is being sold to households.

EPA Programme Manager Roni Howe said a strong inspection campaign by local authorities this winter is needed to make sure all retailers only stock and sell approved solid fuel.

Today's report is based on the extensive air monitoring network in Ireland, which consists of 115 monitoring stations, reporting hourly, and is a leader across Europe in providing a three-day air quality forecast.

EPA Director of Radiation Protection and Environmental Monitoring, Dr Micheál Lehane said the air pollution is not just a city phenomenon, with strong evidence of negative impacts in towns and villages right across the country.

"If we want to achieve our ambition of clean air for everyone, everywhere, all year round, then we need to address the emissions from residential heating and invest in transport systems right across the country", Dr Lehane said.

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The WHO says outdoor air pollution accounts for an estimated four million deaths per year worldwide due to stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma.

In children and adults, both short-term and long-term exposure to ambient air pollution can lead to reduced lung function, respiratory infections and aggravated asthma.

Air quality data from Ireland's 115 air monitoring stations is available in real time on the website airquality.ie.