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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 30 May 1985

Vol. 359 No. 1

Written Answers. - Sale of Lead-free Petrol.

406.

asked the Minister for the Environment when he intends introducing legislation regarding the sale of lead-free petrol; and if it is proposed to have a new regulations in operation by 1 July 1989.

Council Directive 85/210/EEC concerning the lead content of petrol was adopted on 20 March 1985.

The main proposals are that, from October 1989, member states must ensure the availability and balanced distribution of unleaded petrol throughout their territories and may require the marketing of unleaded petrol from an earlier date, if they so wish. In addition member states are required, as soon as they consider it appropriate to do so, to reduce the maximum lead content of leaded petrol from 0.4 grammes per litre to 0.15 grammes per litre.

The refinery at Whitegate is making the necessary technical adjustments to enable it to produce petrol with a maximum lead content of 0.15 grammes per litre by 1986. In addition, the Department of Energy are in consultation with the oil marketing companies in relation to the importation of petrol with that lead content. In the light of those consultations, I will be amending, as appropriate, the European Communities (Lead Content of Petrol) Regulations.

Comprehensive new air pollution legislation which I hope to introduce later this year will contain provisions in relation to the regulation of the composition of fuels, in so far as this is necessary to prevent or limit air pollution. Pending the enactment of this legislation, regulations to provide for the introduction of unleaded petrol could be made under the European Communities Act, 1972.

My Department are arranging discussions with other Departments concerned with a view to ensuring the smooth introduction of supplies of unleaded petrol consistent with the demand for it. The intention will be to ensure an orderly introduction and reasonable spread of unleaded petrol on the market and to ensure that its introduction does not have a detrimental effect on the availability of petrol in rural areas. The timing of any regulations in relation to the sale of lead free petrol will be decided in the light of these considerations.

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