The Irish Independent have recently reported that the sale of smoky coal in Co. Waterford still remains a concern despite the implementation of a nationwide ban on its sale.
In Autumn 2023, a consortium of six local authorities, including Waterford City and County Council, commenced a solid fuel sampling exercise with particular emphasis on monitoring compliance with the requirements of the Air Pollution Act 1987 (Solid Fuels) Regulations 2022.
Under these Regulations, coal products and manufactured solid fuels must have a sulphur content of less than 2% by weight on a dry ash-free basis, and this limit will reduce to 1% from September 2025, subject to a market assessment.
A total of 25 coal samples were taken across the participating local authorities, including in Waterford, and were analysed for sulphur content by an accredited laboratory in the UK. Of the 25 samples tested, 18 samples (72%) were found to breach the current prescribed sulphur limit of 2%.
Niall Kane, Senior Executive Engineer in the Environment Section of Waterford City and County Council said, “the breaches were disappointing and posed a serious concern.” Mr Kane added: “The local authorities are collaborating with the Department of Environment, Climate & Communications (DECC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in this regard, with each agency currently engaging with producers and suppliers in accordance with their respective roles under the regulations. “Local Authorities are undertaking a further sampling round in Spring 2024 and are committed to using all available powers to secure compliance with the regulations.”
