The use of asbestos was phased out in Ireland with laws passed in 1994 and 1998, but a complete ban was not enacted until 2004, under the European Communities (Dangerous Substances and Preparations) (Marketing and Use) Regulations 2003.
Under https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/ea9dc42d-7656-8afd-09e4-d8b41fae2c9c of Annex XVII to the REACH Regulation, the manufacture, placing on the market (including import) and use of asbestos fibres (Crocidolite, Amosite, Anthophyllite, Actinolite, Tremolite and Chrysotile) and of articles and mixtures containing these fibres added intentionally is prohibited. However, the use of articles containing asbestos fibres which were already installed and/or in service in the State before 1 January 2005 continue to be permitted to be used until they are disposed of or reach the end of their service life.
While awareness has been raised of the recent reports from Australia relating to the detection of asbestos containing components used in the internal service lifts of a number of wind turbines, neither The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment nor The Health and Safety Authority has been notified of the presence of asbestos containing components in any wind turbines operating in the state.
No assessment or investigation into the presence of asbestos-containing braking system in wind turbines operating in the State has been undertaken to date.
