Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Apr 1990

Vol. 397 No. 9

Written Answers. - Reduction of Chemical Emissions.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

243 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the consultations which he has had with the Minister for Energy to ensure that the installation of facilities to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from the Moneypoint power station will begin in 1990 and that the design, costing approximately £7 million, has been completed in line with our commitments under the Sofia Protocol to stabilise NOx emissions to 1987 levels; if he will indicate when this work will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

244 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment when Ireland proposes to accede to the Helsinki Protocol under which national sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions must be cut by 30 per cent by 1993 using the 1980 level as a base; if he is in a position to indicate the detailed submissions that have been made to date and the steps which Ireland must take to comply with the accession and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Miss Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 243 and 244 together.

The Government's policy on accession to the Sofia and Helsinki Protocols is set out in the environment action programme announced earlier this year.

The Sofia Protocol, which seeks to stabilize NOx emissions at 1987 levels by 1994, was signed by Ireland last May. I understand that the project to install NOx reduction facilities at Moneypoint is underway and design work, discussions with manufacturers and ordering of the equipment are in progress. I understand that the installation of all three units will be completed by 1994. To minimise the cost of the major plant "outage" required, the ESB's timetable to instal the facilities concerned will take advantage of planned "outages" in the meantime such as for turbine inspection and overhaul.

Preparatory work to enable Ireland to accede to the Helsinki Protocol as seen as possible is underway. The reduction in sulphur dioxide emissions required by 1993 will be achieved through the use of low sulphur coal and oil and, if possible, the continued use of natural gas for power generation and industrial uses. If necessary, flue gas desulphurisation equipment will be installed at the Moneypoint power station.