Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 May 1991

Vol. 409 No. 1

Written Answers. - Power Station Chemical Emissions.

Gerard Brady

Question:

78 Mr. G. Brady asked the Minister for Energy the approximate annual quantity of sulphur dioxide that is emitted from the Moneypoint power station, County Clare; and if he intends to instal sulphur recovery equipment to prevent air pollution from this place.

Minister for Energy (Mr. Molloy)

The approximate annual quantity of sulphur dioxide emissions from Moneypoint power station is 73,000 tonnes.

Ireland is committed to meeting its international air pollution obligations under both EC law and under the Helsinki Protocol. The aggregate emissions allowed for Ireland under the protocol is 157,000 tonnes of sulphur dioxide. As of now, we can conform with these significant restrictions.

The installation of desulphurisation equipment at Moneypoint would be very expensive. This expense is not immediately necessary to meet existing obligations under EC law or under the Helsinki Protocol.

If desulphurisation equipment becomes necessary at sometime in the future the electricity consumer will, of course, have to meet the additional cost.