Vol. 477 No. 5
17 Miss Harney asked the Minister for the Environment the plans, if any, he has to extend the ban on bituminous coal to every part of the country in the interest of reducing air pollution and promoting better air quality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4996/97]
The annual review of urban air quality in respect of the 1995-96 heating season showed air quality in all areas to be within the statutory air quality standards, with no exceedances occurring or threatened. Preliminary monitoring results for the 1996-97 heating season continue to demonstrate satisfactory air quality in all monitored areas, relative to the statutory standards for smoke and sulphur dioxide. Consequently, I have no immediate plans to extend controls on bituminous fuels to urban areas beyond Dublin and Cork but will be reviewing the matter in the light of the full air quality monitoring results for the 1996-7 heating season.
