Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 March 2023
787. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will defer the ban on the use of creosote in fencing until measures for alternative treatments are in place, including his Department’s approval of copper oil-based treatment products and the availability of same to business in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15492/23]
View answerThe approval and uses of creosote as a wood preservative were recently reviewed under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation.
The EU review process, which was managed by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), resulted in a renewal of approval for creosote that was limited in its scope due to significant concerns, including the carcinogenic potential for humans. This means there is a cancer risk associated with using creosote.
Permitted uses were restricted to industrial vacuum pressure impregnation of wood used for railway sleepers, electricity poles and telecommunications poles only.
The renewal Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2022/1950) came into force on 1st November 2022 and stipulates that from 30th April 2023 only railway sleepers or utility poles for electricity or telecommunications treated with creosote may be placed on the market in EU Member States.
A national derogation to allow for placing on the Irish market of creosote treated agricultural and equine fencing beyond 30th April 2023 is not possible under the regulatory framework.
It should be noted that timber already treated with creosote and sold to end users e.g. farmers before 30th April 2023, can be used after that date.
There are a number of timber preservatives that are permitted to be used to treat timber fence posts in accordance with the Irish National Standard IS 436: Farm fencing - Timber post and wire -Requirements. The Irish National Standard I.S. 436 allows for the treatment of timber fencing posts with copper organic preservatives. The ending of the derogation for creosote has no negative impact on the use of copper organic preservatives.
Details of the alternative wood preservative products authorised for use in Ireland can be found on my Department’s website (www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie).
