Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Oct 1993

Vol. 434 No. 9

Written Answers. - Testing of Commercial Vehicles.

Peter Barry

Question:

156 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for the Environment when EC exhaust controls for commercial vehicles and mini buses will be introduced here; if there are plans to cover these contingencies here by introducing regular testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Mr. Browne,

Wexford): Directive 91/542/EEC lays down emission standards for carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and particulates from certain new vehicles — mainly trucks and buses. The first stage of the Directive was to have been implemented in all member states from 1 October, 1993. However, in order to overcome difficulties of disposing of remaining stocks of non-complying new vehicles by that date, the Commission and member states have recently agreed on transitional arrangements for these vehicles. As soon as these transitional arrangements have been formally adopted by the Commission, Directive 91/542/EEC will be transposed in Ireland.

The present compulsory vehicle testing scheme for heavy goods vehicles, buses and ambulances involves checks on emissions of smoke from diesel engines, carbon monoxide and uncombusted hydrocarbons from petrol engines, and noise from both. The scheme will be extended in 1993-94 to include a biennial test for light goods vehicles over four years old.