Environment

The towns where Ireland’s smoky coal rules are being flouted

Analysis of data shows spikes in atmosphere quality over the last four weeks as weather turns cold

Analysis of data at key air monitoring stations around the country shows significant spikes in air pollution over the last four weeks as the weather has turned cold

New smoky fuel regulations are being flouted in certain towns around Ireland a leading expert has said, as data shows large spikes in air pollution.

The first of two phases of the government’s new smoky fuel ban came into effect at the end of October 2022.

It required all sold coal and manufactured solid fuel products to comply with a smoke emissions rate of under 10 grams per hour (g/hr), which will reduce to under ...