The AIR POLLUTION ACT (MARKETING, SALE, DISTRIBUTION AND BURNING OF SPECIFIED FUELS) REGULATIONS 2017 which will amend Statutory Instrument, The Air Pollution Act (Marketing, Sale, Distribution and Burning of Specified Fuels) Regulations 2012.

Ireland has legal obligations under EU legislation, namely, under the National Emissions Ceiling Directive (2016/2284/EU) and Cleaner Air for Europe Directive (2008/50/EC) to reduce the health impacts associated with air pollution. While air pollution reductions should result from implementation of EU wide legislation, there is an obligation on each Member State to devise its own nationally appropriate strategies, which identify and effectively address its own national air pollution profile. This should include strategies tailored to reduce significant key sources of air pollution.

Residential solid fuel in Ireland is estimated to be responsible for over 50% of all fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution in Ireland, despite providing less than 5% of national energy demand. PM2.5 has a direct impact on human health and the environment and is estimated to be responsible for 95% of the 1,600 premature deaths attributable to air pollution in Ireland (EEA, 2016). Residential soild fuel emission are not currently addressed by EU legislation. This fact and the disproportionate contribution to air pollution and premature mortality require that Ireland take action to develop and implement complementary national measures to reduce this key source of emissions.

Ireland has in place, since 1990, a legislative framework to address residential emissions through the designation of Clean Air Zones under the Air Pollution Act, 1987. The draft regulation consolidates the existing network of Clean Air Zones in larger urban areas in Ireland, and extends them to smaller urban areas and nationwide to make the clean air benefits available to all. The draft regulation will also facilitate more effective implementation and enforcement of the legislation by providing a consistent legislative framework nationwide.