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The Irish Cancer Society has warned that changes to the smoky coal ban could lead to deaths.

The government is planning to allow the sale of smoky coal in rural areas from September.

The Irish Cancer Society said this would lead to an increase in air pollution, which could cause respiratory problems and heart disease.

"The government is putting people's lives at risk by allowing the sale of smoky coal in rural areas," said the society's head of advocacy, Donal O'Shea.

"Air pollution is a major public health problem in Ireland, and smoky coal is a significant contributor to this problem."

The society said that the ban on smoky coal in urban areas has been successful in reducing air pollution and improving public health.

"The government should not be taking steps to undermine this progress," said Mr O'Shea.

The Department of the Environment said that the changes to the smoky coal ban are being made to address the concerns of people in rural areas who rely on solid fuel for heating.

The department said that the new regulations will allow the sale of smoky coal in rural areas where there is no access to other fuels, such as gas or oil.

The department said that it is committed to reducing air pollution and that the new regulations will not lead to an increase in air pollution levels.

However, the Irish Cancer Society said that the department's own research shows that the changes to the smoky coal ban will lead to an increase in air pollution.

"The government should not be putting people's lives at risk by allowing the sale of smoky coal in rural areas," said Mr O'Shea.

"The government should be taking steps to reduce air pollution, not increase it.