asked the Minister for Local Government if there are any proposals before his Department for the introduction of legislation to combat atmospheric pollution by the reduction of sulphur emissions from the use of fuel oils; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Atmospheric Pollution.
23.
The only such proposal before my Department at present relates to a directive of the Council of the European Communities on the approximation of the laws of the member states concerning the sulphur content of gas oils.
This directive sets limits to the sulphur content of gas oils which may be marketed in the Community and provides for the determination of zones within which gas oils having a certain sulphur content may be used.
The necessary regulations for the implementation of the directive are in preparation.
A proposal for a directive relating to sulphur emissions from fuel oils is under consideration in the EEC. So also are proposals for a Council resolution concerning criteria for sulphur dioxide and suspended particulate matter in urban atmospheres and a directive concerning health protection standards for these matters. Since these proposals have not yet reached the Council, there is no question at this stage of legislative measures to implement them.
Is the Minister aware that according to a report published by the IDA the greatest potential problem lies in the expansion plans of the ESB for the Dublin area, where 2,000 megawatts extra generation capacity is being installed? This could have serious implications for air quality in Dublin.
This matter will, of course, be kept under constant consideration. The Deputy asked me a question and I think I have answered him pretty fully.