Bituminous coal ban is enforceable

The Environment Directorate of Cork County Council wishes to absolutely refute the suggestion in your article (Oct 15) that the prohibition on the burning of bituminous (ie smoky) coal is unenforceable.

The council can, and will, take enforcement action against any householder who consistently flouts the law.

As with all our environmental monitoring programmes, enforcement action will be taken only as a last resort, and in all cases will be preceded by steps to make householders aware of the impact they are having on air quality and on their own and their neighbours’ health. Controls on the burning of smoky coal, like those that prohibit cigarette smoking in certain places, are first and foremost aimed at protecting public health.

Medical research has proven that burning smoky coal, especially in urban areas, poses a serious risk to health and is a significant cause of early death in those suffering from pulmonary or cardiovascular diseases. Like controls on cigarette smoking, experience tells us that such regulations are by and large self enforcing in that the vast majority of householders are happy to support an initiative that saves lives.

For the minority who chose to consistently break the law the regulations include robust enforcement powers which the council will not hesitate to use.

Ted O’Leary

Environment Directorate

Cork County Council