Smoky coal ban in Cork ‘cannot be policed’ as local authorities do not have the resources to enforce regulations

Local authorities do not have the staff to police regulations on smokeless coals zone in urban areas.

The smoky coal ban was first introduced into Dublin in 1990 and Cork City followed five years later. Department of Environment regulations now apply in all cities and larger provincial towns.

However, since the ban was extended to incorporate satellite towns in Cork, the county council has conceded it did not have the resources to enforce the regulations.