Nationwide smoky coal ban now unlikely before 2022 at the earliest

The first partial ban was brought in about 30 years ago and health campaigners have been fighting for a nationwide ban ever since. File Picture

The Government has been accused of "long fingering" the introduction of a nationwide smoky coal ban with it not now expected until next year at the earliest.

Draft legislation that Environment Minister Eamon Ryan says is needed to make the ban work will be available “towards the end of the year”, the Irish Examiner has been told by Mr Ryan's department.