The Department of the Environment delayed a smoky coal ban despite being warned a day beforehand that emissions from the fuel regularly cause air quality levels to breach World Health Organisation (WHO) standards. The proposed extension of the ban on smoky coal will have a positive impact on levels of particulate matter particularly in rural towns and villages”. Opposition figures sharply criticised the decision to delay the ban almost immediately after the EPA report was issued to the department. Earlier this year, several companies involved in the smoky coal trade indicated to the department that they would consider legal action if the ban went ahead, as planned, in September. A spokeswoman for the department said that “the Minister recognises the very significant health and environmental benefits of extending the smoky coal ban nationwide.

Source: The Irish Times June 08, 2019 03:00 UTC