People Urged Not To Burn Smoky Coal

People in Northern Ireland have been urged to try and refrain from burning smoky coals to prevent widespread air pollution.

Heating is more expensive in Northern Ireland and people are turning to coal to heat their homes and save money but a new report has said that this move comes at the expense of the environment.

Environment Minister Alex Attwood said: “Fuel is dearer here than in Britain and poverty levels are higher. People are burning smoky coal in smokeless areas to try and combat that. But it has consequences."

Indeed a new report has revealed that the burning of smoky coal in towns and cities across Northern Ireland, particularly in cold weather, is leading to relatively high levels of pollutants in the air we breathe.

Minister Attwood is trying to encourage people to burn only smokeless coal.

He said:"It is slightly more expensive, but scientific evidence shows that smokeless coal burns longer with a higher heat output which would negate the perceived savings on smoky coal."

The Minister concluded: “I am determined to take steps to improve air quality. I will be writing to the DSD Minister enclosing the Report and how the DSD work on the Fuel Poverty Strategy and energy conversion has relevance. In addition I will look at how to encourage uptake of smokeless fuels . My Department will be working in partnership with district councils to look at ways in which this problem can be addressed. To help reduce the pollution levels within these areas I would urge all households to ensure they are burning smokeless coal or switch to other cleaner fuels.”

(LB)