asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that legislation which requires persons or companies who store petroleum products to have a licence is being ignored and has not been implemented in certain parts of Dublin e.g. Dublin County Council do not have sufficient staff to carry out the necessary inspections; if, in view of the safety and insurance implications, he will take urgent steps to have the matter remedied; and if he will make statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Petroleum Storage.
900.
Requirements in relation to the storage of petroleum are contained in the Dangerous Substances Act, 1972, under which the Minister for Labour is the appropriate Minister, and in regulations made by him under that Act. The Act generally provides that no person shall have petroleum-spirit in his possession or under his control except in a store licensed by the appropriate authority. Licensing functions under the Act in the County Dublin area are carried out by Dublin Corporation on behalf of Dublin County Council and I have no direct function in the matter. I have, however, made inquiries of Dublin Corporation and I am informed that applications for licences for the storage of petroleum have been sought by approximately 300 applicants in Dublin city and approximately 100 applicants in Dublin county. The Corporation has also indicated that difficulties are being experienced in the processing of these applications due to a shortage of fire prevention staff. It is hoped that this situation may be improved as a result of recent competitions held by the Local Appointments Commissioners. I may add that there are no proposals before me in regard to staff.