Solid fuel regulations enforcement

The Solid Fuels Regulations in Ireland are effective from 31 October 2022. They aim to improve air quality and public health by limiting the sale of certain fuels. Here is a summary of the key points: 

Coal and Manufactured Solid Fuels: - 

• They have a smoke emission rate of less than 10 grams per hour.
• Sulphur content must be less than 2% by weight. This will reduce to 1% after market assessment from 1 September 2025.
• Manufactured Part Biomass Products. This must have a smoke emission rate of less than 5 grams per hour.
• 100% Biomass Products (including wood products and logs):
• If supplied in units of two cubic metres or less, must have a moisture content of less than 25%, reducing to 20% from 1 September 2025. 

Wood logs in units of more than two cubic metres must come with instructions for drying. 

Turf: It cannot be sold via retail, online, or in public places. 

The regulations also impose obligations on producers, importers, and retailers of solid fuels to ensure compliance. The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications provides updated FAQs and resources at their website for various stakeholders. This including householders, firewood importers, solid fuel producers, retailers, couriers, haulage, and media companies. For more detailed information and educational videos, you can visit the official government website at www.gov.ie/cleanair. 

Galway County Council enforces these regulations on producers, transporters, and retailers within the county to ensure compliance. Retailers are required to deal only with registered producers. They must ensure that each product offered for sale is approved by the EPA. It is an offence to sell unapproved solid fuels.