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Ban on Bituminous Coal in Kilkenny City and Waterford City Environs

Ban on Bituminous Coal in Kilkenny City & Environs and Waterford City Environs

The coal ban was first implemented in Dublin in the early 1990s to address the issue of "winter smog" resulting from widespread use of bituminous coal. Following considerable improvement in air quality in the Dublin area the ban was extended to include other urban areas which were subject to problems with smog.

The Air Pollution Act, 1987 (Marketing, Sale and Distribution of Fuels) Regulations 1998 to 2003 restrict the marketing, sale and distribution of certain types of smokey fuels. These restrictions, which relate primarily to bituminous coal, apply in Kilkenny City and parts of the Waterford City Environs within Kilkenny's functional area. The restricted areas are:

Kilkenny City & Environs
- All areas within the Borough Boundary;
- All areas within the Ring Road;
- The townlands of Springmount, Wetlands, Margaretsfields, Poulgour, Drakelands Lower, Kilcreene, Palmerstown, Loughmacask, Lousybush, Raheennagaun, Coolgrange, Oldpark, Talbotsinch, Bleechgreen, Friarsinch and Dunmore.

Download map of restricted areas of Kilkenny City (435KB)

Waterford City Environs
- The townlands of Abbeylands, Christendom, Mountsion and Newtown;
- Part of the townlands Belmount, Rathculliheen and Rockshire.

Download map of restricted areas of Waterford City environs (546KB)

The regulations prohibite the sale of bituminous coal within the restricted areas. The transport of bituminous coal is also restricted.

Download Guidence Leaflet for Retailers (62KB)