TAOISEACH Micheál Martin has called for the north to introduce a ban on smoky coal.
Speaking during Dáil questions on the Irish government's proposed ban on the sale of turf, which is due to come into force in September, Mr Martin said there was "a lot of smoky coal coming into the Republic".
During the debate on Tuesday, the issue of air quality was raised and a ban on smoky coal introduced in Dublin in the 1990s was highlighted.
Speaking of the coal, Mr Martin said: "The north should ban it as well. They should deal with it".
The plan to ban sales and gifting of turf will not affect the actual burning of the fuel.
The Republic's environment minister Eamon Ryan, who said air pollution caused up to 1,300 Irish deaths annually, has said the new ban would not prevent historic 'turbary' rights that allow for turf to be dug in bogland for burning in an individual's home.
Smaller rural communities of under 500 people are also expected to be exempt from the ban.
