Air Pollution (Amendment) Bill 2025: Committee Stage
Seanad Éireann — 2026-01-28
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Sarah O'Reilly (AON), Agricultural Panel

I thank the Minister of State. I will reiterate the discussion I previously had with him. My amendment relates specifically to section 53B. It is intended to bring much needed clarity to householders and local authorities. As the Bill is currently drafted, it is not clear whether the regulation on burning fuels is intended to apply to ordinary domestic households or whether it is confined to commercial operators and large-scale suppliers. During the previous debate, I appreciate that the Minister of State made remarks and clarifications that this would not apply to ordinary homeowners trying to heat their home, but there is a lack of clarity when the Bill speaks about regulatory powers concerning the burning of fuel. It does not specify if it will be for industry or commercial purposes or if individuals lighting a fire in their own house could be liable. That is the problem.
This is particularly concerning for older people and people living in rural areas. I am conscious that this could be interpreted in a way that brings ordinary householders within the scope of enforcement measures that were never intended for them. My amendment ensures that this legislation is not designed to criminalise or unfairly target individuals who are heating their homes, often out of necessity, and often because they have no viable alternative. We must distinguish between rogue commercial operators who are flouting the law and families who are simply trying to keep their homes warm in the context of rising energy costs and fuel poverty. In rural Ireland, they are keeping so many of our traditions and heritage alive, including lighting a fire in the family hearth. I urge the Minister of State to support this amendment and to let rural Ireland know that the Government is not targeting families using solid fuels to stay warm. There is no clarification in the legislation that differentiates between householders, homeowners and commercial or business interests.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-01-28/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:33+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-01-28