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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Nov 1978

Vol. 309 No. 4

Written Answers. - Atmospheric Pollution.

192.

asked the Minister for the Environment the EEC directives in force and under consideration in the Council of Ministers in relation to atmospheric pollution; and the extent of our compliance with them.

A directive relating to the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels was adopted on 24 November 1975. The European Communities (Sulphur Content of Gas Oil) Regulations, 1977, which implement the provisions of the directive in this country came into operation on 1 January 1978. A directive on the approximation of the laws of the member states concerning the lead content of petrol was adopted on 29 June 1978. The measures necessary to implement this directive are being considered. Proposals are under consideration at Council level for directives on health protection standards for sulphur dioxide and suspended particulates in urban atmospheres and on sulphur in heavy fuel oils.

193.

asked the Minister for the Environment the number and location of atmospheric pollution monitors in Dublin city; and the date the highest level was recorded since the beginning of the year.

Dublin Corporation operate 12 atmospheric pollution monitoring stations, monitoring sulphur dioxide and smoke levels, located at Dame Street, Ballsbridge, Eccles Street, Rathmines, Custom House, Ballyfermot, South Quays, Clontarf, Alexander Road, Finglas, Cornmarket and Baggot Street. Three stations at O'Connell Street, Kilbarrack and Branch Road/Alexandra Road also monitor lead pollution in the atmosphere. On 31 January the highest level of smoke pollution and, on 30 May, the highest level of sulphur dioxide pollution recorded so far this year, were recorded at the Cornmarket monitoring station. The highest level of atmospheric lead was recorded at the O'Connell Street station during January 1978.

195.

asked the Minister for the Environment the steps he is taking to counteract atmospheric pollution, particularly in the Dublin city centre area.

There are 19 stations operated by local authorities measuring concentrations of smoke and sulphur dioxide in Dublin of which eight are in the city centre area. The local authorities have also set up six monitoring stations to measure concentrations of lead in the ambient atmosphere of which two are located in the centre city area. Results for the winter periods October 1973 to March 1978 show that smoke levels have declined by up to 20 per cent in the past five years and that the sulphur dioxide levels have declined by about 40 per cent in the same period. There are indications that smoke pollution levels have now ceased to decline and the position in this regard is being kept under review. The lead levels at one location over the past four years have been fairly consistent and can be regarded as satisfactory. The results from the other stations have only become available over the past few months and no definite trend has been established. A general review of the existing air pollution control arrangements is being undertaken in my Department with a view to improving the existing system.

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