The operation of all petrol retail outlets is covered by the Dangerous Substances (Retail and Private Petroleum Stores) Regulations, 1979 (S.I. 311 of 1979) as amended by the Dangerous Substances (Retail and Private Petroleum Stores) (Amendment) Regulations 1988 (S.I. No. 303 of 1988).
The 1979 regulations laid down national licensing requirements for retail and private petroleum stores. These regulations were developed to address the dangers which exist in relation to the operation of such stores. The sole purpose of the regulations was and is the effective control of the licensing of retail petroleum stores in order to prevent the risk of injury to persons or property conveying, loading, unloading and dispensing operations carried on in connection with such stores.
Due to the fact that a considerable number of petrol retailing stations did not meet the necessary safety standards in respect of space, storage of petroleum and access for vehicles, the 1988 regulations provided an exemption until 1 December 1999, from a number of the 1979 regulations.