asked the Minister for the Environment the present position in regard to the EC directive on lead in petrol; the implication for Ireland of this directive; and when he expects it to be fully implemented in Ireland.
Written Answers. - EC Directive on Lead in Petrol.
232.
The two basic obligations of the Directive, to be achieved by 1 October 1989, are to limit the lead content of leaded petrol to 0.15 grammes per litre and to ensure the availability and balanced distribution of unleaded petrol.
The former has already been achieved in Ireland, with effect from 1 April 1986, by virtue of the European Communities (Lead Content of Petrol) Regulations, 1985 (S.I. No. 378 of 1985). Unleaded petrol was introduced on the Irish market in October, 1986 and is regulated by the European Communities (Lead Content of Petrol) Regulations, 1986 (S.I. No. 374 of 1986). Arrangements to promote unleaded petrol are proceeding in line with the Directive's timescale.