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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Oct 2003

Vol. 571 No. 4

Written Answers. - Coal Ban.

John Dennehy

Question:

523 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he will consider a complete ban on bituminous coal in view of the successful implementation of bans in various parts of the country. [22361/03]

In October 2001 my Department undertook a public consultation process regarding a potential ban on bituminous coal and petcoke nationally. On foot of this process the then Minister of State at the Department, Deputy Dan Wallace, and the Solid Fuel Trade Group, which represents the principal importers and distributors of solid fuel in Ireland, signed a voluntary agreement on 5 June 2002. It provides for significantly cleaner standards for bituminous coal and petcoke.

The agreement also encompasses the extension of the ban on the marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous coal to four new areas, Bray, Kilkenny, Sligo and Tralee, from October 2003 bringing the total number of such bans in operation nationally to 16. Under the agreement the phased penetration of increased smokeless fuels, rising to 75% of overall solid fuel sales, in Athlone, Carlow, Clonmel and Ennis by October 2004 is also provided for. A first review of its provisions will be undertaken by December and a second review by December 2004. The agreement provides that the later review will have, inter alia, the aim of building on ambition for the period beyond 2005. A copy of the agreement is available in the Oireachtas Library.

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