Vol. 434 No. 9
134 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for the Environment the steps, if any, he proposes to take to implement controls on noxious emissions from vehicles, especially public transport vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Wexford): Long standing controls on vehicle emissions have been in operation under the Road Traffic Acts, including exhaust system analysis in the context of the road worthiness test applying to heavy goods and large public transport vehicles.
A series of EC Directives is now being developed to provide for stricter and more specific controls on all vehicle emissions so as to minimise air pollution from this sector. The European Communities (Mechanically Propelled Vehicle Emission Control) Regulations, 1992, implement these newer controls for passenger vehicles and certain light commercial vehicles. Further Directives have been adopted, or are in prospect, to cover other categories of vehicles, including large public transport vehicles. These will be transposed in Ireland at the appropriate time.
