A ban on the burning of turf and peat should be reconsidered in light of the continued lockdown, Clare’s first citizen has said.

Proposals to ban the commercial sale of sod turf and restrict the burning of wet logs, peat products and other manufactured fuels that did not meet strict low-smoke standards emerged in February from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications but did not appear in the Programme for Government.

Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan (GP) has been urged to hold back on any plans to ban the “burning of turf, peat products or wood for the heating of homes” by the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Mary Howard (FG).

“This winter, fuel poverty became a serious reality for many Irish citizens due to being ‘locked down’ since last Autumn,” the Ennis representative outlined in a motion before the local authority’s March meeting.

Elected representatives have contributed some of their General Municipal Allocation (GMA) to assist Clare’s COVID-19 community response forum who had uncovered a total of 375 families and individuals that are experiencing a fuel and food shortage during the pandemic.

With more people at home as a result of the restrictions, Cllr Howard flagged that one consequence included “food and fuel poverty”. She said that peat, timber and wood products are “still imported to the country” so little impact would be noticed with regard to carbon footprint.

Although the selling of smoky coal is banned in Ennis and Clarecastle, the Mayor informed the meeting that people are still buying it “for the heat”.

Strong criticism of the Green Party was issued by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND). “I remember years ago, the Green wanted to get rid of everything,” the Shannon representative claimed. He added, “They’re making it up as they go along, I would hope Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael cop on”.

Related News

34_CCC - Boat Launch_250625
Addition of €28k rescue boat a major upgrade to fleet of Clare Civil Defence
madden furniture 1
Landmark Ennis business Madden Furniture to close this month
tablet smartphone laptop 1
Man (58) in South-East Clare charged with having 1544 images of child sex abuse
alan o'callaghan conor ryan tony o'brien pat burke pat hayes 1
'We are the envy of the county' - Hayes says Killaloe MD Cllrs have best working relationship

Advertisement

Latest News
galway greyhound stadium
Double feature win for Long & Collins
micheál murray 1
Mint performance from the Murrays helps Miltown win O'Gorman Cup for second time
tablet smartphone laptop 1
Man (58) in South-East Clare charged with having 1544 images of child sex abuse
waterford v clare camogie 05-07-25 jennifer daly orla hickey 2
Waterford relievedly Rockett to last four following Clare scare
alan o'callaghan conor ryan tony o'brien pat burke pat hayes 1
'We are the envy of the county' - Hayes says Killaloe MD Cllrs have best working relationship
Premium
éire óg vs ballyea 04-07-25 david reidy paddy smyth 1
Éire Óg retain Division 2 League title in derby decider
killaloe canal 1-2
Teenage girl 'scared & angry' after boy (14) 'humped' her from behind in Killaloe
1 DSC_9129
Clare will have 'one hell of a shot' in quarter-final with Waterford - Carmody
inagh kilnamona v clonlara 05-09-21 30 kevin hehir paraic o'loughlin
Inagh/Kilnamona chase first senior title & Clonlara aim to regain silverware
east clare memorial pat hayes
Hayes accusses Tipperary councillor of spreading 'misinformation' on Killaloe to Ballina pedestrianisation

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Advertisement