Do the Irish still burn peat?

Do the Irish still burn peat?

The story of peat in Ireland Peat is still used to generate electricity and as a fuel for home fires to this day, however, sustainable energy policy and bogland conservation programmes indicate phasing out harvesting peat as a primary source of energy post 2030.

What is Irish firewood?

Unlike the compressed Irish fire log briquettes, Irish firewood is peat that has been cut from the earth and air-dried naturally. Packaged in a charming burlap sack, Irish firewood makes the perfect gift.

Is turf a good fuel?

Turf is one of the least efficient fossil fuels as it emits high levels of CO2 per unit of energy used. Alongside that, intact peat lands play a role in flood management and protecting biodiversity, as well as being an excellent carbon sink.

What is the best fuel to burn on an open fire?

Generally, seasoned wood is seen as the most environmentally-friendly fuel and therefore the one that is the most widely-reccommended. However, it’s important to use only dry wood, which should contain 20% moisture or less. Smokeless coal fuels will produce much less air pollution than regular “house coal”.

How much peat does Ireland burn?

But peat is particularly polluting. Burning it for electricity emits more carbon dioxide than coal, and nearly twice as much as natural gas. In 2016, peat generated nearly 8% of Ireland’s electricity, but was responsible for 20% of that sector’s carbon emissions.

Is it illegal to burn turf in Ireland?

The sale of bituminous or smoky coal in Ireland has been banned in all cities and towns with a population over 10,000 people, and the new proposals would make that ban nationwide. The sale of other solid fuels such as unseasoned or wet wood, and or sod turf could also be banned.

What do you burn in Ireland?

Siobhán’s Irish Firewood is this traditionally harvested, rough Irish turf. The resulting peat brick (or briquette as they are commonly known) is a fuel that is virtually smokeless, slow-burning, and easy to store and transport. Briquettes are widely used to heat homes and business throughout the country.

Can you burn turf in Ireland?

Turf cut from peat bogs may be the traditional fuel in the west of Ireland, but unfortunately, it is a smoky fuel. It has been banned in smokeless urban zones.

Will turf cutting Be Banned?

“Cutting, supplying and burning turf could well be an illegal activity as early as February 2021 after the Business Post Newspaper revealed leaked plans by the Government to ban the sale of all smoky fuels in the new year.”

What is the safest fuel to burn?

Smokeless fuel is a much safer alternative to smoke-producing fuel, particularly wet wood. Wood-burning open fires and stoves produce a range of toxic gases and particulate matter (PM) that can increase a person’s risk of developing heart and lung diseases.

Can you have an open fire in your house?

If you’re using an open fireplace you should only burn smokeless fuels. Currently, not all fuels sold in London are smokeless; if in doubt ask your supplier. A list of authorised fuels can be found on the Defra website. If you have a stove or other appliance you can usually use normal wood as well as smokeless fuels.