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

shannon group clare crusaders little blue heroes 1-2
Clare Crusaders & Little Blue Heroes chosen as Shannon Airport Group's charity partners for 2025
jim enright 1-2
Scór long-service award for Cratloe's Jim Enright
st brendan's road lisdoonvarna 1
Corofin developers lodge plans for 60 houses in Lisdoonvarna
ambulance 1
Clare 'always suffering on health front' - Cllrs seek Dáil committee to examine emergency response times

Advertisement

Latest News
jim enright 1-2
Scór long-service award for Cratloe's Jim Enright
Lunch Time Lifestyle with the Clare Echo Contributers (19)
Regnum Carya Golf Resort
492300430_1265350338926478_8538017681006863111_n
Ennis RFC 'bursting with pride' as Aoife Corey makes Ireland debut in 6 Nations
st brendan's road lisdoonvarna 1
Corofin developers lodge plans for 60 houses in Lisdoonvarna
grease ennistymon choral society 2
Grease is the word in Ennistymon
Premium
clare v limerick minor 25-04-25 evan crimmins 2
Clare minors lower Limerick to set up do or die tie with Waterford
ambulance 1
Clare 'always suffering on health front' - Cllrs seek Dáil committee to examine emergency response times
clare v waterford 19-05-24 ken ralph 2
'Clare were disrespected in commentary before start of championship' - Ralph
clare v tipperary 19-04-25 peter keane 2
'We're opening doors' - Keane praises Clare for kicking on but stresses goal chances must be taken
liscannor 23-04-25 footpath 6
'Embarrassing' state of footpaths, kerbs & parking slammed in Liscannor

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