Vol. 401 No. 4
124 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the measures which have been taken by the industrial development agencies to ensure that the highest environmental standards are maintained by all industrial projects.
125 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the special incentive packages, including higher grants, which have been introduced to encourage the location in Ireland of manufacturing and service industries in the environmental technology sector; and the special efforts which have been made by the industrial development agencies to promote Ireland as a base for such industries.
126 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the way in which the introduction by industry of clean technologies and low wastage production processes is being promoted and assisted by the IDA, EOLAS and other State agencies.
127 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if higher rates of industrial grants exist to promote the location in Ireland of industries in environmentally friendly sector; and the amount by which these grants are higher than normal industrial promotion grants.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 124, 125, 126 and 127 together.
As the Deputy is aware environmental impact assessments (EIA) are mandatory since 1 February 1990 for all major developments. By identifying the impact of such developments, the EIA promotes the use of clean technologies and low waste production processes. EOLAS provides consultancy services in relation to process technology and waste minimisation.
It is a condition of all industrial grant agreements that the grant-aided industry meets all statutory requirements in relation to environmental controls and the prevention of pollution. In effect, industrial grants are withheld from companies where environmental discharges are not within acceptable limits.
