Turf’s Up

Easy does it…

rom today, the ban on sales of turf, smoky coal and wet woods online or in shops has come into effect.

With Minister Eamon Ryan having signed off on the regulations last week, the ban comes after months of heavy objections from rural TDs.

Those individuals with turf-cutting rights may sell or gift their turf, but it cannot be sold through a retail premises or online.

“The primary focus of these regulation is on improving air quality,” said a department of Environment, Climate and Communications. “And improving people’s health chances and outcomes by restricting the retail, online and commercial sale of smoky fuels, including smoky coal, turf and wet wood.

“These fuels are proven to be a major contribution to air pollution in Ireland.”

Cover painting by Barrie Maguire.