Vol. 518 No. 1
145 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the emission levels applicable for 2000 under the current national car test for petrol engines in respect of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and non-burned hydrocarbons; the emission levels for 2001; if this will involve the replacement of catalytic con verters at substantial cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11038/00]
Emissions of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons from cars with petrol engines are measured as part of the national car test; nitrogen oxide emissions are not measured.
The applicable emission limits are as follows: For cars first registered before 1 October 1986, the carbon monoxide content must not exceed 4.5% at idling speed and the hydrocarbon content must not exceed 1,000 parts per million at idling speed.
For cars first registered between 1 October 1986 and 31 December 1993, the carbon monoxide content must not exceed 3.5% at idling speed, and the hydrocarbon content must not exceed 750 parts per million at idling speed.
For cars first registered on or after 1 January 1994, the carbon monoxide content must not exceed 0.5% at idling speed., and measured at 2,500 engine revolutions per minute, rpm, or at an engine speed specified by the vehicle manufacturer must not exceed 0.3%. The hydrocarbon limit for these cars is 200 parts per million at 2,500 rpm, or at an engine speed specified by the manufacturer.
In general, cars which were first registered on or after 1 January 1994 were fitted with catalytic equipment to comply with EU entry into service requirements. Such catalytic equipment must be in good working condition for the cars in question to comply with the relevant national car test emission limits.
146 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the emission levels allowable, under the appropriate EU Directive, in respect of diesel engines in buses in the public fleet; if these emission levels apply to buses for which a PSV licence is required; the way in which these emission levels are monitored; the emission levels allowable in respect of carbon monoxide nitrogen oxide and non-burned hydrocarbons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11039/00]
Diesel-engined buses being entered into service for the first time are subject to exhaust emission limit values specified in Directive 96/1/EC relating to emissions from diesel engines in vehicles.
The emission limits applicable to the vehicles in question are:–
carbon monoxide: 4.0 grams per kilowatt hour
hydrocarbons: 1.1 grams per kilowatt hour
nitrogen oxides: 7.0 grams per kilowatt hour
particulates: 0.15 grams per kilowatt hour.
The limits apply regardless of whether a vehicle is used as a public service vehicle.
