The ban on the sale of smoky coal is being extended.

It has been illegal to sell smoky coal in Dublin since 1990.

It was in response to severe episodes of winter smog that resulted from the widespread use of smoky coal for residential heating.

Research indicated that the ban in Dublin resulted in over 350 fewer annual deaths.

But the law now extends to the burning of the fuel.

In addition the ban is being extended to 7 new towns from next May.

These are Greystones, Letterkenny, Mullingar, Navan, Newbridge and Portlaoise.

The ban is also being extended to all of Dublin County including outer suburbs and satellite towns.

The extension of the ban will mean that a householder can be prosecuted for using smoky coal.

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