Vol. 520 No. 1
87 Mr. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, arising from Statutory Instrument No. 424 of 1999 concerning kerbside petrol stations, she has made any progress in reviewing the future of such stations, noting particularly the effect that the original regulations, S.I. No. 303 of 1988 would have on the availability of motor fuel in rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15353/00]
The effect of the dangerous substances (retail and private petroleum stores) (amendment) regulations, 1999 (S.I. No. 424 of 1999) is to extend the relevant provisions of the dangerous substances (retail and private Petroleum Stores) Regulations, 1979 (S.I. No. 311 of 1979) as amended by the dangerous substances (retail and private petroleum stores) (amendment) regulations, 1988 (S.I. No. 303 of 1988) until 31st December, 2001. In essence, the 1999 regulations will enable so-called kerbside petrol stations to continue to be licensed under existing arrangements until that date.
I am aware of the concerns that both family businesses and local communities may have in relation to S.I. No. 303 of 1988. It was for these and other reasons that my officials asked the National Authority for Occupational Safety and Health (HSA), which is responsible for the enforcement of the regulations, to review the eligibility requirements under the current licensing system. As a result of this review it is my intention to introduce further statutory provisions governing the licensing and operation of all petrol stations. The new provisions are being designed to be goal-setting in nature, imposing general duties on petrol station operators to store and dispense petrol in a safe manner. It is anticipated that the new measures will allow for the continued use of certain existing petrol stations which, under the current regulations, would not continue to qualify for the grant of a licence beyond 2001. Work on the preparation of the new statutory provisions is proceeding with a view to putting the measures in place as soon as possible.
