A ban on the marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous coal applies in sixteen town and cities around the country (cork city since 1995)
The regulation governing the ban on bituminous coal is the Air Pollution Act, 1987 (Marketing, Sale and Distribution of Fuels) Regulations, 1998-2004.
These regulations prohibit the marketing, sale and distribution of certain prescribed fuels within the restricted areas. This prohibition results in an improvement in air quality and a lowering of the incidents of respiratory illnesses.
Bituminous or smoky coal is prohibited, as is any blended product containing smoky coal. This includes Polish and Texan coals. By burning smokeless fuels, we can all contribute to improving air quality.
As indicated Cork City was designated a smokeless coal zone in 1995. The majority of the zone falls within the functional area of Cork City Council, however some areas on the outskirts of city are within the functional area of the county council as indicated on the attached map.
