A proposal that would grant the authorities search-and-seize powers – as well as the right to raid houses and stop and detain vehicles – in order to prevent the sale of turf has been described as a “turf terrorist” law by Independent TD, Carol Nolan.
The Laois Offaly TD was responding to reports that the Government is set to bring forward draft legislation granting local authorities search-and-seize powers with respect to the sale and distribution of smoky fuels including turf, as well as powers to stop and detain vehicles and in some circumstances, raid private dwellings.
She said the granting of such powers in relation to the age-old practice of burning turf was “the product of an administration addicted to authoritarianism”.
Councils would have these new powers to clamp down on the sale and distribution of smoky fuels under proposed tough new air pollution laws, the Independent reported.
They could stop and detain vehicles, confiscate and destroy unapproved fuels and, in some circumstances, raid private dwellings.
Tighter controls on imported fuels would also be introduced, stiffer penalties would apply and on-the-spot fines would be imposed.
The measures are contained in a draft Air Pollution (Amendment) Bill currently being finalised.
Deputy Nolan said: “At times you simply do not know whether to laugh or cry at the levels of arrogant overreach routinely indulged in by this Government.”
“The idea that people transporting turf in their own cars or tractor will be pulled over and searched as if they were part of some rural cartel is simply ludicrous.”
“I am seeking urgent clarity on this draft legislation because no Government is going to get away with causally criminalising ordinary decent turf burners on my watch,” she added.
However, supporters of the measure say that local authorities responsible for policing 2022 regulations which outlawed the sale of the most polluting solid fuels are telling told the Department of the Environment they need greater enforcement powers.
They argue that 1,600 death in Ireland each year are linked to polluted air.