The Department of Environment, Climate and Communications has announced that the sale of turf, smoky coal and wet wood will be restricted from October 31.

The department said that these fuels are "proven to be a major contributor to air pollution in Ireland".

Under the draft regulations published today (Thursday, July 14), the following new health standards for solid fuels will apply from October 31, this year:

People with turbary rights and all other customary practices in respect of turf will be unaffected by these draft regulations.

They will continue to be able to cut turf for their own use and will retain the ability to gift or sell turf.

However, no sale of turf may take place by way of the internet or other media (i.e. advertising in local press), or from retail premises.