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THE BAN ON the sale of smoky coal, which has been in place in Ireland’s major cities for a number of years, will be extended nationwide from Autumn 2018.
Minister Denis Naughten is to brief the Cabinet this morning on the timeline of the introduction of the nationwide ban.
A ban on the sale of smoky coal was first introduced in Dublin in 1990 and research has shown this move resulted in 350 fewer deaths per year throughout the city.
The Environmental Protection Agency has repeatedly highlighted that air quality is significantly worse in smaller towns during the winter months because large quantities of solid fuel are being burned.
Ireland was required to consult with the European Commission to give effect to the ban to ensure the measures are compatible with EU legislation.
Naughten is expected to announce that the negotiations with Member States have ended successfully, leading to the next stage of the process that will see the countrywide ban come into effect from next year.
The ban will be introduced incrementally, beginning in the heating season – Autumn 2018.
It’s not proposed to introduce an immediate ban on the sale and distribution of smoky coal at that point but to allow a 12 month period for the industry to “wash through” existing stock.
A full ban will come into effect from Autumn 2019.
“Today is a key milestone in the process that will see a nationwide ban on smoky coal,” Naughten said.
Four people a day in this country are dying as a direct result of complications from poor air quality and one in five children in Ireland suffer from asthma.
“The final stage of the process involving the residential fuel industry, agencies and the general public is now underway that will ensure a smooth transition to the nationwide ban.”
Naughten will also inform Cabinet on new measures be is introducing for families that avail of Government funded home energy upgrades.
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As I’ve got older, I can see social isolation for older people a bit clearer. When you’re very young, you don’t notice anyone but your own friend group and everyone over the age of 30 is ancient!
I’ve really noticed how older widowed or single people are only dying to tell you a story or have you chat to them. Remember, you may very well be the only person they talk to in a day. Give them five minutes – you’ll be glad you did in years to come.
It is a beautiful add , and in some ways it reflects our society, but I do think that we have lost our sense of community.
Still though, it is a beautiful add ❤️
Powerful ad, well done to all involved in it’s creation.
It’s such a sad reality that this Elderly Gentleman is what I go through everyday from people ignoring you and more people obliging you
@Luka Roche: Hopefully it will now make more people aware Luka, and take time to say Hello or How are you a little more. It’s “the old ones” who have plenty of good stories to tell,many words of wisdom, and can brighten someone else’s day too. Wishing you all the best,take care
@Luka Roche: The isolation of loneliness when over 50 is heartbreaking
@Paul Somers: I think it’s peaceful when no one’s pestering you. Have you thought about Men’s Sheds or joining some groups? There’s loads going on where you can meet people & try out new activities.
@Paul Somers: Depends really on your situation and circumstances, you can be desperately lonely in your 40s, 50s, 60s and so on. Loneliness is horrific, and is why so many men in particular drink themselves into oblivion. Only for women don’t like going to pubs on their own, I’m sure it would be as bad for them, either way it’s so important to surround yourself with friends and family if possible.
Who’s cutting onions?
Beautiful and moving ad, and the song suits it perfectly.
Simple but powerfull ad and a lesson in there for all of us.
This is a great ad which portrays the loneliness and feeling of isolation at Christmas. However, I find it disappointing that it was the dog who initiated the friendship.Without the dog, the old man would have remained in isolation. We need more dogs in pubs .
That would be great. I’ve also seen cat cafés advertised. Any time I was in Paris, people would drop into a local pub with their dog too.
Good Ad with a powerful message.
Brilliant . Brought a tear to my eye. I have been to my local to allow regulars bring their dog in of they fancy a pint during the day.
Well done to all, and best wishes for a lovely Christmas and a happy new year.
Beautiful. It’s the dog that took notice of him and it’s the dog that opened the conversation. I have noticed at alot more eldery people with dogs. It gets them out and people will stop to talk.
Damn, I wasn’t expecting to get such a belt in the feels!
Moral of the story:
If you’re lonely – Become an alcoholic.
(brought to you by the Vintner’s Association of Ireland)
@Tommy Haze: He’s drinking Guinness zero
@Richard Seager:
Hang around long enough in a barber shop and you’ll end up getting a haircut.
@Tommy Haze:
Not if you’re maol already for wharever reason ye wouldn’t!….just flick back to GB News there so…. they’ll have munzo of what ye want to see, hear and languish longingly in! :@)
@Tommy Haze: More like go for a walk with a madra ;-)
@Tommy Haze: Oh get a life FFS… I hope you nor your loved ones will ever be exposed to the disease of alcoholism.
If your highlight of the year is a John Lewis advert then congratulations, you are among the gullible who each year discuss such adverts .
Buy Irish , Buy Local
@BL Music: Sure it’s an advertisement for a local bar in real life. I thought it was a good one and I’ve never seen a John Lewis one for comparison.
Nice ad, but a pity that they misattributed an anodyne quote to Yeats.
It’s so important to check on elderly people in your community, I bring 4 of my elderly neighbours to my house every night for dinner for the last 10yrs I know they need the company plus it means they will get a hot meal every day and I know they are doing ok ill be having 3 of them come to me Christmas day as well its important to look out for your elderly neighbours people forget that one day we will grow old as well
@john Kenny. How do you know if your dog fancies a pint?
@Padraig O’Brien:
He’s standing at the door with an empty can in his mouth.
@Padraig O’Brien: He points at the advert for Madri beer in the newspaper,then gives a quizzical look up.
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