Air Pollution, Fuel Regulations
Protecting Dublin’s Air Quality
Dublin City Council’s Air Quality Monitoring and Noise Control Unit actively monitors fuel use across the city to enforce National Air Pollution Legislation. Our officers carry out inspections of:
- Fuel yards and depots
- Fuel delivery vehicles
- Retail shops
- Garage forecourts
Inspection results are reported to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help maintain and improve Dublin’s air quality, to find out more about Air Quality click here
Smoky Coal Ban
A complete ban on the burning of smoky (bituminous) coal applies throughout Dublin city and county.
Solid Fuels Regulations 2022 & Amendment Regulations 2025
The Air Pollution Act 1987 (Solid Fuels) Regulations 2022 came into effect on 31 October 2022, with the aim of reducing pollution from domestic solid fuel combustion and improving Air Quality across Ireland to reduce premature deaths and illnesses arising from air pollution. The primary focus of the regulations is on the large-scale, commercial sale of smoky fuels, including smoky coal, turf, and wet wood. These fuels are proven to be a major contributor to air pollution in Ireland. Alternative, low-smoke fuels are cleaner, more cost-efficient and reduce exposure to harmful pollutants.
We can all play our part to reduce this form of air pollution and reduce its impact on the health of our communities “Let’s Clear the Air” to find out more click here
These Regulations prohibit the sale or distribution of solid fuel for home or licensed-premises heating unless it is an approved solid fuel.
Approval Requirements for Solid Fuels
Coal products and manufactured solid fuels:
- Smoke emission rate: < 10 g/hour
- Sulphur content: < 2% (dry, ash-free basis)
- From 1 September 2030: sulphur content must be < 1%
Manufactured part-biomass products:
- Smoke emission rate: < 5 g/hour
- Sulphur content: < 2% (dry, ash-free basis), reducing to < 1% from 2030
100% biomass products (e.g., wood logs, wood products)
(excluding bulk wood sold in units of 2m³ or more):
- Moisture content < 25%
Requirements for Fuel Operators
- All bagging operators supplying smoky coal for residential use must register annually with the EPA.
- All fuel suppliers whose main business involves smoky coal must also register with the EPA.
FAQ For Producers Or Importers
FAQ For Couriers And Haulage Companies
How can you help?
Public cooperation is essential to protecting Dublin’s air. If you witness the sale of smoky coal (e.g., Polish, Texan, Premium smoky coal), please contact Dublin City Council’s Customer Services Centre with details such as:
- Vehicle description and registration number
- Shop or premises address
- Date and time of the incident
If a neighbour is causing a nuisance by burning smoky coal, please report this through the same channels.
Making an Air Pollution Complaint
Will I light a fire? Irish heart foundation
Solid Fuel Producer Registration
A solid fuel producer includes anyone who produces, treats, or imports solid fuel for retail or distribution within the State.
Registration Requirements
- All solid fuel producers must register annually with the EPA, who manage the official Fuels Register.
- Each registered producer receives a unique EPA registration number.
- Registration must be completed by 1 September each year.
How to Register
To be listed on the Fuels Register, producers must submit a completed application form click here and send to:
[email protected]