asked the Minister for Local Government the action he has taken to ensure that boiler plants at local authority premises are equipped for firing by solid or liquid fuel.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authority Boiler Plants.
39.
The equipment of boiler plants for heating local authority premises is a matter for the individual local authorities. I have, however, drawn the attention of all local authorities to the need for maximum economy in the use of oil and petroleum products and have requested that they should co-operate fully in the campaign for restraint in the use of such products. It will be for the individual local authorities to decide what measures are feasible and desirable in each case.
Would the Minister not consider it advisable to insist that plants being installed should be designed to burn either solid or liquid fuel?
I would not have the authority to so insist but I have suggested that every effort be made to ensure a saving on oil and fuel products. That should be sufficient in so far as local authorities are concerned. On the other hand, there is the question of the cost involved in changing to different types of plants. As a Deputy I protested some years ago regarding the change-over to oil but I did not get much encouragement from the then Government for my point of view.
Is it not the position that plans for all local authority buildings are submitted to the Minister for his approval?
Deputy Leonard is referring to existing buildings which are heated by oil and petroleum products such as county council offices.
Institutions
I have not the authority to insist on local authorities changing to other methods of firing plants but I have suggested that it would be a good idea for them to do so.