asked the Minister for the Environment if he will pay a new house grant to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Written Answers. - Grant Payment.
72.
The grant will be paid shortly.
73.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of studies which suggest that emissions from the ESB's Moneypoint plant may lead to acid rain resulting in extensive damage to the environment including all forms of life; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware that certain studies carried out by voluntary bodies contain suggestions of the kind mentioned in the question. On the other hand, an ecological impact assessment carried out by An Foras Forbartha and a study of the consequences for agriculture carried out by An Foras Talúntais do not support the view that air quality or acid deposition problems will arise from the operation of the Moneypoint plant. I would also draw the attention of the Deputy to the reply of the Tánaiste and Minister for Energy to Parliamentary Question No. 19 of 10 July 1985 in which he indicated that, because of efficient dispersion, the effect on air quality of emissions from the plant will be well below the stringent levels set for ambient concentration by Clare County Council and even below the long-term goals for air quality prepared by the WHO.
A comprehensive regime has been established in the vicinity of the Moneypoint plant to monitor air pollution. An additional monitoring station is also being established in the Slieve Bloom mountains under the European programme for the monitoring and evaluation of the long-range transmission of air pollutants in which Ireland has participated for many years. The establishment of a further such station on the east coast is currently under examination by my Department in conjunction with other Departments and bodies concerned. I intend that the position will be kept under review by my Department in the light of the monitoring results.