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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Jun 1991

Vol. 409 No. 4

Written Answers. - Vehicle Emissions.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

201 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment when he proposes to publish the discussion paper, promised before the end of 1990, with regard to EC directives on the control of gaseous emissions from new vehicles; when he expects, having regard to the motor industry's requirements for adequate advance notice to make the necessary regulations to give effect to the requirements of the directives; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The discussion paper referred to will be published this month. It will deal with the implementation in Ireland of EC requirements on vehicle emissions; some of these are still being finalised. Relevant regulations will be made following examination of comments received on the discussion paper from the motor industry or other interested parties and, where applicable, following formal adoption of the EC directives concerned.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

202 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, in an effort to reduce air pollution, the British Government will introduce in November a compulsory annual check of exhaust emissions from all motor vehicles over three years old; and if, in interests of protecting the environment here, he has any plans to introduce similar checks here; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am aware that a test on exhaust emissions is being added to the MOT test for all vehicles in Great Britain as from 1 November 1991.

As part of the compulsory vehicle testing scheme here, exhaust emissions of heavy goods vehicles, buses and ambulances are tested every year. Testing will be extended to goods vehicles under 1½ tons unladen weight from 1994-95. Consideration is being given to the introduction at that stage of a more stringent test. The question of testing the exhaust emissions of private cars will be considered in the light of developments on the general issue of the testing of cars.
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