asked the Minister for Local Government if he considers that the Road Traffic (Construction Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963 are effective in controlling pollution arising from motor vehicle exhaust fumes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Air Pollution.
65.
The regulations referred to by the Deputy prescribe that vehicles must be so constructed as to prevent, to such an extent as is reasonably possible, the emission of noxious gases. They also prescribe that a person shall not use a vehicle in a public place so that it emits smoke or oily substances which could be prevented by the exercise of reasonable care. Compliance with these requirements can assist in reducing air pollution by vehicles. In reply to an earlier question, I mentioned that CIE are doing research on this problem in relation to buses. My own Department is keeping itself informed of evolving national and international standards for control of air pollution and any steps I can take to help with this problem will be taken gladly.
Is the Minister prepared to confirm what I was told by the Minister for Justice as to these regulations having been revised?
They are being considered but no revision has yet been drawn up.
Would the Minister agree that they have been largely ineffective?
There is difficulty as stated by the Minister for Justice in detecting and improving emissions of this nature.
Why has it taken eight years to draft the amendments?
That is a separate question.
They were introduced in 1963 but they are only now at the drafting stage.
We do not regard this as a matter of high priority. There are many other activities in my Department which require the attention of my staff and which are higher on the priority list. Also, surveys that have been carried out have shown that this type of emission from vehicles in no way affects the health of persons.
What surveys is the Minister referring to?
I think there have been a number of surveys carried out in this respect. If the Deputy wishes to study the matter further, I can let him have the research that was carried out by the British Road Research Laboratory published in 1970.
I would be very grateful for that.
Since I have given the Deputy the source, I take it he will obtain it for himself.