22/04/2013

Ban On Smoky Coal To Be Extended State-Wide

The ban on smoky coal is to be extended to every town and village across Ireland, the government have said.

Environment Minister Phil Hogan has said it is his goal to have the ban fully established within three-years in an effort to help improve air quality and reduce respiratory problems.

The news follows an extension to the of the carbon tax to include solid fuel products, meaning coal, turf and peat briquettes will increase in price from May 1.

Some 25 cent will be added to the price of a 40kg bag of coal, and about 14 cent to a bale of briquettes.

Another hike is planned for 2014, when the carbon tax is doubled from €10 per tonne to €20. The cost is likely to be added to coal and peat products, and will reduce the price difference between smoky and cleaner forms of coal, encouraging their use. Some 20 towns and cities are already covered by the ban, and seven more will be added from May 1.

(H/CD)


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