I thank you, a Cheann Comhairle, for allowing me to raise this important issue. The Minister for the Environment and Local Government has issued a consultation paper which could result in the imposition of a national ban on bituminous coal, which is used by householders and petroleum coal, which is smokeless. This is a badly thought out proposal which will be totally impractical and ineffective. Such a ban will lead to fuel shortages, as suitable replacement solid fuels will not be available; higher prices, with increases of up to 25% for such fuels when they become available; and a loss of more than 1,000 jobs in the industry, of which 100 will be lost in Sligo-Leitrim. It will also lead to reduced choice.
The ESB is threatening power cuts this winter and next winter. Electricity is needed for both gas and oil appliances and power cuts will leave householders without heat and the option to use solid fuel. Natural gas is only an option in certain parts of the country and there is uncertainty regarding the price and supply of oil, as was evidenced last winter. The breakdown of the distribution network and the projected decline in sales will drive coalmen out of business and the elderly and low income groups will be the hardest hit as well as those living in rural areas. Consumers will face hardship as they try to find a coalman who is still in business to deliver fuel and are faced with higher fuel prices and getting used to new fuels. At the moment there is little or no fuel distribution in rural areas. The benefits of the proposed legislation seem insignificant. There is only a small lasting benefit to the environment from this ban as the burning of coal has a minor impact on air quality compared to traffic, power stations and industry. The Government commitments to reducing national emissions of sulphur will only be achieved by tackling the larger producers such as power generators and industry. Domestic solid fuel sulphur emissions are already small and are being reduced. The Government's proposal would deliver a minor improvement, less than 1.5% of the reductions required.
Is there a problem with Ireland's air quality? In fact, it appears that Ireland's air quality is very good. This has been repeatedly commented upon in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports. It seems logical that the air quality in rural Ireland must be even better than the average air quality. There is a case for extension of the ban in urban areas, under proper controls, where it is deemed necessary but why must we ban fuels of choice in rural areas? Is air quality being monitored in rural areas? I doubt it. Is there an air quality problem in rural Ireland? Has any other country adopted a similar nationwide ban of bituminous or household coal?
This is a very serious issue. There has been no consultation with the EPA which is on record as stating, in August 2000, that there is no air pollution problem associated with SO2, that emissions have improved considerably and that road traffic is the real offender.
The issue is very important to the whole country but particularly to the most vulnerable of all in rural areas where buying coal and solid fuel is very important. The Minister should be aware of this from his own constituency. A national ban is an outrageous proposal. There is a case for an extension of the ban in certain city areas where there is a smoke problem but I believe the problem must be clearly monitored and action only taken on the basis of this.
I would be interested to hear the Minister's comments on the 1,500 jobs which could be lost nationally if this bituminous coal ban, which would eliminate the sale of household coal, is put into effect. It would be an outrageous move.
