Smoky coal ban to be enforced in Letterkenny from May 2013

New regulations have been enacted today extending the Smoky Coal Ban to Letterkenny.
In a statement this afternoon, Environment Minister Phil Hogan confirmed that seven new towns, including Letterkenny, will be included in the ban with effect from May of next year.
Letterkenny’s addition is automatic, on the basis that data published recently from Census 2011 shows the town now has a population of more than 15,000 people.
The minister says the lead in period will allow local authorities and fuel retailers time to familiarise themselves with the new regulatory requirements in preparation for the switch-over to smokeless fuels next May.
Mr Hogan  says research has indicated that the smoky coal ban introduced in Dublin in 1990 has resulted in up to 350 fewer deaths, and has reduced consumer fuel costs by €184 million per year.