In Autumn 2023, a consortium of six local authorities from the Mid-West and Mid-Leinster, led by Limerick City and County Council, commenced a solid fuel sampling exercise with particular emphasis on monitoring compliance with the requirements of the Air Pollution Act 1987 (Solid Fuels) Regulations 2022.
Under these Regulations, coal products and manufactured solid fuels must have a sulphur content of less than 2% by weight on a dry ash-free basis, and this limit will reduce to 1% from September 2025, subject to a market assessment.
The burning of high sulphur coal products creates air pollution from (i) sulphur dioxide (SO2) which causes respiratory problems, and (ii) increased levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that can pass through the lungs and enter the blood stream causing cardiopulmonary disorders and strokes. The vast majority of the deaths attributable to air pollution in Ireland are caused by fine particulate matter.
Twenty-five coal samples from various solid fuel outlets were obtained by the six local authorities in Limerick, Clare, Tipperary, Offaly, Laois and Meath on a pro-rata (population) basis and these were analysed for sulphur content by an accredited laboratory in the U.K.
Analysis showed that eighteen of the twenty-five samples (72%) exceeded the prescribed sulphur limit.
Of the eight coal samples obtained by Limerick City and County Council, seven (87%) were found to be in breach of the limit.
A spokesperson for Limerick City and County Council confirmed that the breaches were of serious concern and that it was engaging with the solid fuel trade.
The Council is also collaborating with the Department of Environment, Climate & Communications (DECC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in this regard.
Each agency is currently engaging with producers and retailers in accordance with their respective roles under the regulations.
Limerick City and County Council has advised that preparations are in train for the consortium to undertake a further sampling round in Spring 2024 and that it is committed to using all available powers to secure compliance with the regulations.
