AQW 17195/22-27


Mr Matthew O'Toole
Social Democratic and Labour Party
South Belfast


Tabled Date: 22/10/2024
Answered On Date: 11/12/2024
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any steps being taken to (i) phase out the use of microplastics in artificial grass pitches by 2030, in line with EU chemical REACH legislation; and (ii) ensure that the financial burden of this change in legislation does not fall on grassroots sports organisations.


Answer:
My Department and Sport NI, an Arm’s Length Body of the Department, are still assessing the impact of the EU chemical REACH legislation on Northern Ireland. This legislation will ban the sale of intentionally added microplastics into the European market, including rubber infill for synthetic surfaces such as the 3G pitches which have been installed across Northern Ireland. The European Commission has confirmed a transition period before the new restriction becomes effective in October 2031.
My officials advise at this stage, there is no immediate requirement to remove existing rubber crumb infill from artificial grass pitches, however it is expected that it will not be possible to source new rubber crumb to maintain existing artificial grass pitches from October 2031.
Research confirms that the typical lifestyle of a properly maintained 3G pitch is 10 years, therefore it may be possible to maintain any existing pitches for its expected lifespan. I also understand research continues in the sports sector to identify satisfactory substitute materials.
Regarding the financial impact of this legislation on the sector, it is normal practice that for any 3G pitch funded by my Department or Sport NI, that the asset owner considers the lifecycle and maintenance costs for the project as part of its initial Business Case assessment stage.
I have asked my officials along with Sport NI, to continue to monitor developments regarding the REACH legislation and any equivalent in the United Kingdom; future developments of new style artificial grass pitches; and the financial impact these developments may have on sporting organisations across Northern Ireland.
Sport NI’s Chief Executive has confirmed that they have provided information on this matter to the sports sector via a publication of its ‘Synthetic Turf Pitches and Microplastic Pollution’ paper, which is available on its website at https://www.sportni.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Microplastics-Information-Paper-November-2023.pdf.