Vol. 556 No. 5
82 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, arising from SI 424 of 1999, concerning kerbside petrol stations, she has made any progress to ensure that many rural petrol stations which supply a vital service in those areas, are not closed down; and the situation in relation to those regulations. [20902/02]
Regulations are being prepared by my Department to provide for the amendment of the Dangerous Substances (Retail and Private Petroleum Stores) Regulations, 1979, as previously amended by the Dangerous Substances (Retail and Private Petroleum Stores) (Amendment) Regulations, 1988, and the Dangerous Substances (Retail and Private Petroleum Stores) (Amendment) Regulations, 1999. Under the regulations, as adapted by section 29 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989 (No. 7 of 1989), a retail and private petroleum store requires to be licensed by the local or harbour authority or, where the store is owned by such authority, by the National Authority for Occupational Safety and Health.
The regulations as amended, inter alia, will provide for safety requirements in certain circumstances for petrol filling stations, constructed before the 1979 regulations commenced, to enable them to be licensed to operate until 31 December 2004. Under the provisions safety controls on management and operations are maintained. The regulations will come into effect on 1 January 2003.
