Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Mar 1999

Vol. 501 No. 4

Written Answers. - Motor Fuels.

Jim Higgins

Question:

17 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on whether measures to encourage the use of liquefied petroleum gas as motor vehicle fuel would be helpful in achieving CO2 emission reduction targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6117/99]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

Information available to my Department suggests that CO2 emissions from liquefied petroleum gas, LPG, fuelled engines are only slightly lower than emissions from petrol engines and may be no lower than emissions from diesel engines. There are, however, considerably lower emissions of other pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, NOx, and particulate matter, PM10 from LPG engines. I am satisfied that the reduction of these pollutants, rather than reduction of CO2 emissions, is the main benefit of fuel switching to LPG.

I am committed to promoting the use of environmentally cleaner fuels and my Department continues to liaise with the Departments of Finance and Public Enterprise to encourage this. In budget 1999, the Minister for Finance reduced the VAT inclusive excise duty on LPG by 1.8 p. per litre, taking account of the environmental impact of a rapidly increasing vehicle fleet.

My Department will also participate in a new interdepartmental working group on the introduction of LPG-fuelled buses into the Dublin Bus fleet and is supportive of initiatives by Dublin Corporation to encourage increased LPG usage in the Dublin taxi fleet.