The Irish government and Solid Fuel Trade Group Ltd (SFTG), who represent the major solid fuel importers and distributors in the Republic, have signed a voluntary agreement designed to improve air quality in Ennis.

The deal requires SFTG to maintain the smokeless fuel market penetration level of 75%, as a percentage of overall solid fuel sales in Ennis and its environs.

Welcoming the agreement, Minister of State Tony Killeen, said: "The new Agreement, which runs until the end of the fuel season in July 2011, ensures significant environmental gains for Ennis.

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"The agreement, which also includes Athlone, Carlow and Clonmel, shows that both the Government and SFTG are committed to protecting our air quality."

The Clare TD added: "Excessive levels of sulphur emissions of bituminous coal and petcoke can have a detrimental effect on air quality. I am delighted that Ennis, with its expanding population, has been included under this voluntary agreement."

The latest Environmental Protection Agency Air Quality in Ireland 2007 report suggested that air quality in the Republic was good throughout the country, and complied with all the air quality standards in force across Europe for all pollutants.

The EPA report noted that smoke concentrations for the reporting period April 2006 to March 2007 were low.

The new agreement was signed by Environment Minister of State Michael Kitt and Pat Downes, Chairman of the Solid Fuel Trade Group Ltd.

(PR/JM)