Such conversations lack the same urgency in Ireland as they might have in Germany or the Baltic States. Recognition that every liter of gas and oil imported from Russia is contributing to the destruction of Mariupol or the siege of Odessa has focused minds across the European Union. While for years there have been conversations in the European Union about transitioning away from fossil fuels, those plans have gathered urgency because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Department of the Environment said it has always been the case that people can be prosecuted for nuisance air pollution from their properties, noting: “The new regulations do not change this in any way.In April, Russia closed the spigot on natural gas pipelines to Poland and Bulgaria after both nations refused to pay for the gas in rubles, accelerating an energy crisis that is reaching across Europe. They are now facing a situation where this is now illegal.” “Older vulnerable people, who might have gone to their local shop to buy turf or buy it through whatever means they want. “Under the Air Pollution Act, a person can be fined €12,700 and yes, they can face imprisonment so the story is factual,” he said. Nothing has changed in relation to that.” Prisonĭespite his assurances, Kerry TD Michael Healy Rae told the show the new rules will have people fearing imprisonment. “The legislation that is referred to relates to the late 1980s, which gives local authorities the power to enforce or monitor and deal with complaints. “Nothing has changed when it comes to turbary rights in the context of the regulations that were signed,” he said. Minister Chambers said enforcement of the Air Pollution Act remains a matter for local authorities. The Environment Minister Eamon Ryan previously hit out at the “huge misinformation and disinformation” surrounding the legislation, telling Newstalk that nobody’s granny would be arrested for burning turf. That was announced earlier on.” “Huge misinformation" It is important to give certainty to people. “I know, in the inside of that article, the Air Pollution Act is referenced, but that goes back to the late 1980s for example, which has always been the case around the monitoring of air pollution in particular areas. What is affected is the sale of turf, for example in retail premises. “People can continue to cut turf for their own use. “Turbary rights and all other customary practices in respect of turf are unaffected by these regulations,” he said. He said the air Pollution Act has been in force since the late 1980s and is not affected by the new regulations. On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, the Minister of State with Responsibility for Sport Jack Chambers said this has nothing to do with the new regulations. The Daily Mail this morning reported the Department of Environment is warning people they can be prosecuted under the Air Pollution Act if they are found to be “creating a significant level of air pollution and causing a nuisance to your neighbours” by burning turf or any other substance. They can sell it provided they don’t do so in a shop or online. People with turbary (turf-cutting) rights will still be able to cut turf for their own use or to gift it to others.
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