Solid Fuels Regulations
If you are aware of any incidents involving either the the sale and supply of bituminous coal from a shop, depot or delivery vehicle within the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown area, please report the matter to the Environmental Enforcement Section at Tel: 01 2054700 or email info@dlrcoco.ie.
The Solid Fuels Regulations came into effect on 31st October 2022 for the entire country under S.I. No. 529/2022 - Air Pollution Act 1987 (Solid Fuels) Regulations 2022. The objective of these regulations is to limit the release of pollutants from domestic combustion of solid fuels, including coal, turf and wood. This is to help protect and improve air quality, as solid fuels have been proven to be a major contributor to air pollution in Ireland.
The regulations place obligations on householders, fuel producers, fuel retailers and fuel transporters.
Further information can be found on the Department’s website at www.dccae.gov.ie.
Dublin Region Solid Fuel Compliance Analysis
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (dlr), in collaboration with Dublin City Council (DCC), Fingal County Council (FCC), and South Dublin County Council (SDCC), conducted a joint analysis of solid fuel samples in October 2024 to assess compliance with S.I. No. 529/2022, the Air Pollution Act 1987 (Solid Fuels) Regulations 2022. 41 coal samples were collected from various retailers across the Dublin region and analysed in by an accredited laboratory for total moisture, analysis moisture, ash content, and total sulphur (dry ash basis). The results revealed significant non-compliance with sulphur limits. The project aimed to establish a regional network, educate retailers, and enforce regulations.
Key Findings
- Significant Non-Compliance: A substantial amount of non-compliant fuel remains readily available in the market, even from retailers sourcing from registered producers.
- Retailer Engagement: Retailers welcomed the inspections, demonstrating public interest in compliant fuels and prompting some to switch to registered suppliers.
- Enforcement Impact: The project highlighted the need for stronger enforcement against producers, particularly those supplying non-compliant fuel.
- Regional Collaboration: The collaborative approach fostered knowledge sharing and established a valuable network among Dublin local authorities.
- Resource Intensive: The sampling and analysis process was resource-intensive, requiring significant staff time and incurring substantial laboratory costs.
Recommendations
- Focus on Producers: Future enforcement efforts should prioritize producers placing non-compliant fuel on the market.
- Regular Sampling: Consistent and regular solid fuel sampling is crucial for achieving market compliance and improving air quality.
- Legal Action: Results from future analyses should be used to pursue legal action against persistently non-compliant producers.
- Utilise Project Results: The findings of this project should inform future sampling programs, even if local authorities are not directly involved in 2025 sampling.
- Strengthened Enforcement Powers: The proposed amendments to the Air Pollution Act 1987 should strengthen local authority powers to regulate and enforce solid fuel regulations.
- Develop Sampling Protocol: A standardised sampling protocol based on local authority experience would benefit future initiatives.
- Address Laboratory Costs: Investigate options for reducing laboratory analysis costs, potentially by exploring accredited laboratories within Ireland.
- Public Awareness: Consider publicising the results of the sampling program to increase consumer awareness and encourage the purchase of compliant fuels.
Project Impact
The project successfully:
- Established a Dublin-wide network for solid fuel regulation.
- Educated retailers about compliance requirements.
- Demonstrated the local authorities’ commitment to enforcement.
- Increased retailer awareness of their supplier’s compliance status.