Low smoke zones where dirty fuels are banned will extend further into rural areas on September 1

Large rural areas to the east of Cork City to become low smoke zones

From September 1, the extension of the smoky coal ban to all towns of over 10,000 people takes in larger rural areas, including to the east of Cork city.

Low smoke zones where it is illegal to sell, market, distribute, or burn bituminous (smoky) coal will be extended further into rural areas on September 1. In Munster, large rural areas to the east of Cork City, and around Killarney, Mallow, and between Waterford City and the sea, will become low smoke zones (LSZs).

Along with bituminous coal, banned fuels include waste timber, particularly that which has been treated, painted, varnished, lacquered, glued, or had any substance added, as this causes the release of toxic and cancer-causing air pollutants.