A Sligo councillor is calling for a ban on smoky coal to be extended to the whole country.
The use of bituminous coal is banned in Sligo town but enforcing the ban has been difficult.
Fine Gael Cllr Sinead Maguire proposed at this week’s meeting of the county council that it call on the Minister for Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton to introduce a nationwide prohibition on the sale, distribution and use of so-called smoky coal.
Independent Alliance Councillor Marie Casserly said she had a similar proposal a couple of years ago.
Cllr Maguire outlined the impact of smoky coal on health, saying the the presence in the atmosphere of smoke from the coal even affects those who are out running and exercising:
