Explanatory note

The Smoke Control Areas (Exempted Fireplaces) (No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 (“the 2013 Regulations”) specify those fireplaces exempted from the provisions of Article 17(7) of the Clean Air (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 (“the 1981 Order”).

Article 17 of the 1981 Order generally prohibits the emission of smoke from chimneys in smoke control areas. However, under paragraph 7 of Article 17 of the 1981 Order, the Department of the Environment may exempt certain classes of fireplaces from the provisions of Article 17 of the 1981 Order, if it is satisfied that they can be used for burning fuel other than authorised fuels, without producing any smoke, or a substantial quantity of smoke.

These Regulations amend the 2013 Regulations to include a number of additional fireplaces to the Schedule that have been tested and found to be suitable for use in smoke control areas. There are also amendments to the details of some existing fireplaces.