asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make a statement on his proposals to combat on a continuing basis the problem of smog caused by, among other factors, the burning of bituminous coal and other pollutant fuels; and whether the implementation of totally smokeless zones in urban areas would in part correct the problem.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Smog Problem.
15.
In my statement to the House on this matter on 30 November 1988, I outlined a number of proposed measures specifically designed to deal with the problem of smog pollution. Since then the following positive steps have been taken:
Special control area orders have been made for two further areas in Dublin and have been submitted for confirmation by me.
A general policy directive has been issued under the Planning Acts to all planning authorities requiring that, in built-up areas where smoke emissions are or are likely to be a problem, policy in relation to planning and development should take account of the smoke problem and in particular the need for non-pollutant heating systems.
A publicity and information campaign on radio and television has taken place encouraging the use of non-polluting fuel.
Arrangements are at an advanced stage to ensure that new house grants will in future be confined to houses with smokeless appliances in the builtup areas of Dublin with corresponding provisions for new public housing.
Where major refurbishment works are being planned on Dublin Corporation's houses and flats, the existing heating systems will, where appropriate, be converted to smokeless systems.
I understand that local authorities in Dublin are considering the making of further special control area orders for other parts of the city with the worst smoke pollution problems. I am confident that these measures, along with increased use of natural gas and other smokeless fuels, will enable us to deal effectively with the smog problem and ensure that the requirements of relevant national and EC legislation can be met in all areas.
I compliment the Minister on some of the actions he has taken to date as it is a problem we all share. Has he — or is he — prepared to enter into negotiations with the major coal importers and local authorities in urban areas to introduce a regulation which would prohibit the sale at retail outlets of bituminous coal in built up areas?
I am not prepared to say that I will go that far at present. The Deputy is aware that there are attendant difficulties in regard to this matter. We are discussing it on a continuous basis but the difficulty is that it would mean banning the sale of bituminous coal.
That is the nettle that must be grasped.
If one were even to contemplate that, we could end up in a worse pickle than the one in which we are in now.
I do not think so.
We are now proceeding in a satisfactory way. The High Court action is not helping the situation. Some of the orders have been made and if they were implemented a substantial number of houses would be converted before the onset of next winter. I do not think we need to refer to other measures I have listed except to say that this matter can be summed up by reiterating the remark I made on a previous occasion: "When the winter period goes away or when the wind changes, my attitude to this is not changing". It has to be pursued relentlessly until an improvement is brought about.
Notwithstanding all of the positive things the Minister has done in this area, would he not agree, as urban Deputies in this House would, that a major contributory factor is the availability of small bagged units of bituminous coal and unless that problem is dealt with by whatever means there are going to be recurring problems?
I think that 80 per cent of smog is caused as a result of the burning of bituminous coal in open hearths and grates. We have to deal with this problem. We should all join together in encouraging voluntary organisations such as residents' associations and community councils to persuade people during the inversion periods of a particular winter to use the available non-pollutant fuels. We could then utilise State moneys to help those who cannot help themselves. That is the theory behind the practice I am involved in and it is working. I have been very encouraged by some of the responses I have received from some of the residents' associations. When we have a better information system within the Department in the near future we will be able to help further in that regard.