asked the Minister for Transport and Power if, in view of the proposed sulphur-free requirements proposed by the EEC Environmental Commission, he will state the plans, if any, he has to ensure alternative supplies of refined petroleum products which will conform with EEC requirements.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sulphur Contents of Fuels.
34.
The implications of the proposed EEC directives relating to the limitation of the sulphur content in heavy fuel and gas oils as from the 1st October, 1976 are at present under consideration in the various Department concerned.
Is the Minister aware that the sulphur content of the bulk of the light fuels which we import far exceeds the standards laid down by the EEC at the moment?
It does, yes. Perhaps I should correct that. Not the bulk. Many of them do, but not the bulk.
Is it not a fact that Whitegate oil refinery has no equipment or no means of de-sulphurising the products that it is refining at the moment? Is that true?
The Whitegate refinery would need some investment to bring the sulphur content of the various products within the limitations laid down by the directive. There would be some expenditure required at the refinery.