Solid fuel regulations in Ireland: what changed in 2022
On 31 October 2022 new nationwide rules on solid fuels came into force in Ireland, replacing the old system of local low smoke zones. They set minimum standards for every solid fuel sold in the State. Here is what they cover, in plain English, and what they mean for anyone with a stove or open fire.
The legislation
The rules are the Air Pollution Act 1987 (Solid Fuels) Regulations 2022, S.I. No. 529 of 2022. They revoked the earlier 2012 regulations on specified fuels and extended a single set of standards to the whole country. They have since been amended, including by S.I. No. 389 of 2025 on the moisture content of wood. The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment publishes guidance at gov.ie/cleanair, and the EPA maintains a register of fuel producers.
The aim is to reduce air pollution from home heating, in particular fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is linked to respiratory and heart disease. Solid fuel burning is a major source of this pollution in Irish towns and villages in winter.
Coal and manufactured fuels
- Coal products and manufactured solid fuels must have a smoke emission rate below 10 grams per hour, the same standard that previously applied only in low smoke zones. In practice this ends the retail sale of traditional bituminous ("smoky") coal nationwide.
- Sulphur content must be below 2% by weight (dry ash-free basis), with provision in the regulations for a further reduction.
- Manufactured part-biomass products, such as some briquettes and fire logs, must have a smoke emission rate below 5 grams per hour.
Wood
- Wood logs and other 100% biomass fuels sold in units of two cubic metres or less must have a moisture content below 25%.
- From 1 September 2026 that limit falls to below 20%.
- Wood sold in volumes of more than two cubic metres may be wet, but must carry a notice explaining that it has to be stored and seasoned before burning.
Our guide to kiln dried logs explains how to check moisture content yourself.
Turf
Turf (sod peat) can no longer be sold through retail outlets, online, through other media, or in pubs and other public places. Government guidance has stated that people with turbary rights can continue to cut turf for use in their own homes. Peat briquettes are a manufactured fuel and are covered by the standards for manufactured fuels above.
What households can burn
The regulations are aimed mainly at the sale and supply of fuel, and enforcement by local authorities focuses on retailers, producers and distributors. For households, the practical effect is that the fuels on sale in shops and forecourts have to meet the standards. Fuels you can still buy legally include:
- approved smokeless coal and manufactured smokeless fuels;
- wood logs below the moisture limit, ideally kiln dried or properly seasoned;
- compliant peat and wood briquettes;
- wood pellets for pellet stoves.
Whatever you burn, the appliance matters too. Open fires are far less efficient than closed stoves (see stove vs open fire), and newer stoves must meet EU Ecodesign emission limits.
Reading a fuel bag
Compliant fuel packaging carries information that helps you check what you are buying. Look for the producer's name and EPA registration number, the type of fuel, and, for wood, a statement of the moisture content. Bags of smokeless fuel should identify the product clearly rather than simply say "coal". If a bag carries none of this information, or fuel is being offered loose by an unknown seller at a price well below the shops, it is reasonable to be cautious. Local authorities welcome reports of suspected illegal sales of smoky coal.
Enforcement
Local authorities carry out inspections of fuel retailers, producers and transport vehicles, and can take samples for testing. Fuel producers must register, and compliant fuel bags must show the producer's registration details. If you are buying fuel, especially from an informal seller, look for this information on the packaging.
Why it matters for your chimney
Lower-smoke fuels also mean fewer tar and soot deposits in the flue. That doesn't remove the need for sweeping, but it does make chimney fires less likely. Our chimney sweeping guide sets out how often to sweep for each fuel type.
Common questions
People often ask whether they can still use an open fire. They can: there is no ban on open fires or on burning compliant fuels at home. The regulations change what fuel is sold, not whether you can light a fire. Anyone planning a new installation, though, will find that a modern closed appliance gets much more heat from the same fuel and produces much less smoke.
The rules can change, and some details, such as further sulphur limits, depend on later decisions. Check gov.ie/cleanair or your local authority for the current position.
Frequently asked questions
When did the new solid fuel regulations come into force in Ireland?
The Air Pollution Act 1987 (Solid Fuels) Regulations 2022 came into operation on 31 October 2022 and apply nationwide.
Is smoky coal banned in Ireland?
Coal products sold in Ireland must now have a smoke emission rate below 10 grams per hour, which in practice ends the retail sale of traditional bituminous smoky coal across the country.
Can I still burn turf?
Turf can no longer be sold through retail, online or in public places. Government guidance has stated that people with turbary rights can continue to cut turf for their own household use.
What moisture content must firewood have?
Wood sold in units of two cubic metres or less must be below 25% moisture, falling to below 20% from 1 September 2026.