Vol. 400 No. 9
178 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Environment the steps he intends to take when the prohibition on the sale of bituminous coal is introduced to assist residents in housing estates where estates are not connected to the gas pipeline; if his attention has been drawn to the severe difficulties facing residents in these estates such as the 360 house Rathvilly Estate in Finglas, Dublin 11, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I understand that a wide range of smokeless solid fuels suitable for use in open fires will be available in the Dublin market after 1 September next. The Minister for Social Welfare has already announced details of arrangements to help social welfare recipients meet additional costs arising from the purchase of such fuels.
Householders who choose to convert existing open fire systems may change to electricity, natural gas, where it is available, LPG, oil or enclosed solid fuel systems for heating purposes.
