Producers hit out at 'deeply disappointing' extension to smoky coal ban

But the Government will not be proceeding with a nationwide ban on smoky coal

A leading coal producer has hit out at a partial extension of the smoky coal ban claiming it represents a wasted opportunity to bring about real change.

Minister Richard Bruton has extended the ban to all towns with populations over 10,000 people but has stopped short of completely outlawing it nationwide.