'Smoky coal' ban would benefit asthma sufferers

The Asthma Society of Ireland has said that a nationwide ban on 'smoky coal' would be a major boost for the country's 470,000 asthma sufferers.

Environment Minister Phil Hogan last month indicated that he is likely to introduce a complete ban on high-sulphur solid fuel, within the next three years, but first a study will investigate air quality as a result of coal use across all 26 counties.

Dublin introduced a complete ban on the sale or distribution of bituminous fuel 23 years ago, while it has subsequently been extended to cover all towns with a population greater than 15,000.

Sharon Cosgrove from the Asthma Society says the regional bans have had a major impact so far.

"On average, 359 lives per year have been saved as a result of the ban," she said.

"Over 25 years that's a significant reduction in the death rate.

"Respiratory consultants are (also) saying that this has significant health benefits for people with respiratory conditions like asthma," she added.

"So to bring in a ban across the whole country would be great to see."

MORE: 'Smoky' coal ban information (Department of the Environment)