asked the Minister for the Environment whether he is considering improving the legislation in respect of noxious fumes emanating from commercial, motor or other vehicles; if the Government intends to abide by a recent EC directive to reduce half the pollution due to noxious fumes; if so, when it will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Noxious Fumes.
35.
The Environment Council formally adopted, on 3 December 1987, two directives to control gaseous emissions from cars and from heavy commercial vehicles. The directives set emission standards for carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides with application dates differentiating between new models of vehicles and new vehicles, with earlier dates for new models. The dates extend over the period 1 October 1988 to 1 October 1993.
Member states are required to permit the marketing in their territories of vehicles conforming to the new standards but it is left to the discretion of member states whether to apply these as the only permitted standards at national level. The pace at which Ireland can move to exclusive application of the new emission standards will depend on the supply of suitable vehicles from the EC or elsewhere. I am considering how the new standards can be applied in Ireland, and within what time frame.