All weather pitches could be banned by the EU

Sean Kelly, MEP for Ireland South, has voiced his concerns over the European Commission's proposal to ban the use of microplastics in sports fields, cosmetics, and cleaning products.

While acknowledging the negative environmental impact of microplastics, Kelly emphasizes the need for a “balanced approach that considers the socio-economic consequences and the interests of sports in communities”.

The European Commission's proposal specifically targets the use of microplastics derived from old tyre as infill on artificial sports surfaces, including those used for football, hockey, GAA, and rugby training facilities.

The increased usage of old tyres in artificial turf can be attributed, in part, to the ban on landfilling scrap tires in the EU. However, a ban on their use in sports pitches would pose challenges for the EU recycling industry, as the leftover rubber would not be easily absorbed.

“This would likely result in more tires being exported beyond the EU for incineration, leading to increased emissions and further environmental damage”, said Kelly.

Kelly acknowledged that microplastics pollution caused by artificial sports pitches is significantly less than that generated by the manufacturing and use of new tires on the road. He highlights that the proposed ban “would impact up to 2,500 artificial pitches in

Ireland alone and tens of thousands of surfaces across the EU, affecting sports clubs, schools, communities, colleges, and universities.” ing of a country in the international community in addition to personal freedom and international taxation laws.

In Irish football, for instance, there are approximately 600 all-weather fullsized pitches attached to soccer clubs, along with thousands of smaller facilities in communities, schools, and colleges. The cost of constructing a full-sized facility currently ranges from €400,000 to €600,000, a figure that would substantially increase if environmentally-friendly alternatives, such as coconut shell, hemp, or cork, were mandated. However, these options may not be feasible or sustainable and may not be suitable for cooler climates.

Visa-free travel is responsible for 50% of a country's score, with taxation laws contributing 20% to the overall score.

Dual citizenship, perception around the globe, and personal freedom each contribute 10%.

Ireland ranked joint-fourth alongside Portugal in the latest rankings, receiving a score of 107.5.

"Ireland offers one of Europe’s lowest corporate tax rates, while its passport’s visa scores are among the highest. The country’s excellent reputation makes traveling as an Irish citizen generally hassle-free," Nomad Capitalist said in the new rankings.

"While Ireland is not part of the European Schengen Area, it is a member of the Common Travel Area (CTA), which means free travel to, and the right to work in, the UK."

Nomad Capitalist said the changes, combined with travel freedoms afforded by a United Arab Emirates passport HOLDER and the country's enviable tax system puts the UAE top of the list. Luxembourg, which topped the ranking last year, fell to second place along with Switzerland.

The United States was ranked 43rd in the new ranking, while the UK ranked joint 30th.