asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline his strategy regarding the reducing of emissions of pollutants from combustion plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Plant Pollutant Emissions.
39.
The 1987 Air Pollution Act provides a flexible statutory framework for the control and prevention of air pollution, including the emission of pollutants from combustion plants. These controls are administered by the local authorities. Under Part III of the Act an obligation is imposed on persons to obtain licences for the operation of certain industrial plant. Before the licensing authority grants the licence, it must be satisfied that the best practicable means will be used to prevent or limit any emissions from the plant.
Regulations implementing the licensing requirements for new plant and specified existing plant were made in October, 1988. It is intended to bring further classes of existing plant within the licensing system on a phased basis.
Most combustion plants are associated with industrial processes but where such is not the case the Air Pollution Act contains general provisions, particularly in Part 2, for the control of emissions of pollutants and for enforcement procedures.
EC Directive 88/609/EEC on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants requires us to maintain emissions of sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen from such plants below given levels. In the case of existing plant, SO2 emissions must not exceed 124,000 tonnes by 1993 with no increases between then and 2003 while NOx emissions cannot exceed 50,000 tonnes by 1993 with no increase in the period up to 1998. In addition, emission limit values for SO2, NOx and smoke varying with plant size, must be imposed on all new plant.
The directive must be implemented by 30 June 1990 and Ireland will be fully complying with all its requirements in regard to emission ceilings.
Ireland is a signatory to the Sofia Protocol to the Geneva Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution. The objective of the Protocol is to stabilise overall national emissions of oxides of nitrogen at 1987 levels by 1994. A programme is being prepared to meet the requirements of the Protocol in Ireland; the ESB's commitment to fit low NOx burners to existing plant at an approximate cost of £7m in 1989 terms will be a significant contribution to complying with the Protocol.