• EU Clean Air for Europe (CAFE) Directive: Ambient air quality standards for Ireland are currently established through the CAFÉ Directive. These limits are set out in the table below, taken from the Clean Air Strategy – Section 8.3:

• Clean Air Strategy for Ireland: The Strategy sets out the national policy framework through which the required improvements in ambient air quality will be delivered. Details of the Strategy are available via the following link: Clean air strategy
• Air Pollution Act: The Act is the primary piece of National legislation in relation to air pollution and air quality. The Act covers issues such as the prohibition and prevention of air pollution, the licencing of certain industrial emissions amongst others. It also sets out the enforcement powers and options available to local authorities when dealing with air pollution issues.
  Air Pollution Act 

In addition to the Act, there are a number of Regulations in place, details of which are provided below.

• Solid Fuels Regulations – The burning of residential solid fuels (eg. coal, wet wood, peat) is the primary source of fine particulate (PM₅) emissions in Ireland. Elevated levels of particulates in ambient air can have a direct effect on human health, especially for those suffering from chronic or acute respiratory conditions.  Ambient air quality monitoring data has identified certain areas where particulate matter levels in the ambient air are a cause for concern during the winter heating season, particularly during cold, calm weather conditions.

In order to achieve improvements in air quality, revised solid fuel regulations were introduced by the government in 2022. These regulations (S.I. 529 of 2022) apply to the sale and distribution of solid fuels for use in domestic and licenced premises throughout the State.  In this regard, “sale” includes retail sales, on-line and other media sales, door-to-door sales etc.

Under the regulations, only “Approved Solid Fuels” can be made available for purchase and these fuels must meet specified emission criteria.  Anyone purchasing solid fuel for domestic use should check that the packaging is labelled with the wording “Contents Comply with the Air Pollution Act Regulations” and also includes the registration number issued by the EPA to the fuel producer.

The regulations do not prohibit or restrict the cutting, burning or gifting of turf by those who hold traditional turf-cutting rights. However, the sale of turf via the internet and other media, and from retail premises and public places is not permitted.

Further information on air quality and the solid fuel regulations, including frequently-asked-questions, is available via the following links:
Regulations – Clean Air
TV advert Solid Fuel Clean the Air Campaign

• Deco Paints Regulations and Solvents Regulations – These regulations are aimed at reducing the risk of exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Industries and commercial operators which undertake any of the activities listed in the regulations must obtain a Certificate of Compliance from their Local Authority. The regulations also place limits on the VOC content of certain products placed on the market within the State.

Lists of those operators in County Kerry who currently hold certificates of compliance under the regulations are contained in the following registers:

• Dry Cleaners – Solvent Regulation Register
• Register of Certified Vehicle Refinishing Operators
•  

Further details on the regulations are available via the following links:

• Decorative Paints Regulations
• Solvent Regulations
• Best Practice Guidelines for Dry Cleaning
• Best Practice Guidelines for Vehicle Refinishing

EPA Vehicle Refinishers video

• Petroleum Vapours Regulations – These regulations are aimed at reducing emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere from petrol re-fuelling activities at service stations. Service stations which supply petrol must obtain a Certificate of Compliance from their Local Authority.

Details of the application process are available from the Environment Department of Kerry County Council.

• Licensing of Industrial Plant Regulations – Industries which undertake certain industrial processes listed in the Third Schedule of the Air Pollution Act must obtain a licence from their Local Authority. However, it should be noted that, due to changes in the relevant legislation, many of the processes listed in the schedule in question are now subject to authorisation by the EPA.

Details of the application process. are available from the Environment Department of Kerry County Council.