Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 March 2023
57. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of dedicated funding that will be provided to each local authority to monitor and enforce the smoky coal ban and any future solid fuel regulations as part of the forthcoming Clean Air Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14054/23]
View answerLocal Authorities are responsible for the enforcement of the solid fuel regulations, identifying unauthorised fuels placed on the market and taking measures to counteract any illegal trade. They are also responsible for the allocation of appropriate resources to ensure that they can fulfil their air quality enforcement obligations. It is at the discretion of each Local Authority to decide its own priorities and to allocate staff and resources accordingly. Funding of such services would generally be met from the Exchequer and Local Authority own resources.
My Department and the Local Government Management Agency are continuing to work together to establish an enhanced enforcement support structure. This structure will support the provision of improved co-ordination, expertise, and advice to support consistent implementation of air quality legislation across the country.
In the interim, my Department is also continuing to engage with enforcement personnel on the ground, developing guidance and training, and supporting the sharing of best practice in relation to a range of legislative obligations that are under the remit of the Local Authorities.
I also made grant funding available in 2022 to support Local Authorities through a pilot solid fuels enforcement scheme to support innovation and enhanced enforcement of the new solid fuel regulations. The Local Authorities involved have reported on the outcomes of their pilot enforcement schemes.
I intend to make €500,000 available to Local Authorities in the coming months for further enforcement projects to be undertaken later this year and will continue to work with the sector into the future to provide further co-ordination and support as appropriate.
