asked the Minister for the Environment the number of applications received from local authorities which currently await decisions for the making of smoke control area orders; the areas to which the applications relate; the objectors, if any, to the making of such orders in respect of each area; the reason given by each objector for the objections raised; and when arrangements are to be made to hold oral hearings into the objections raised.
Written Answers. - Smoke Control Area Orders.
49.
Three special control area orders, in respect of Ballyfermot Area D, Clondalkin Area No. 1 and Crumlin Area A, currently await confirmation.
In relation to Ballyfermot Area D, objections were received from: Coal Distributors Limited, essentially on the grounds that the appliance known as the full burning fire should have been specifically exempted from the requirements of the order; and Anthony Haughan and Company Limited, which has not to date cited the reasons for the objection. An oral hearing in relation to this order will commence on 9 January 1990. Objections to the order in respect of Clondalkin Area No. 1 were received from Coal Distributors Limited on the same grounds as are outlined above; Anthony Haughan and Company Limited which has not to date cited the reasons for the objection; Rheinbraun Fuel Trading Ireland Limited, on the grounds that Union Coal nuggets/briketts were excluded from the specified list of fuels approved for use in the special control area; The Green Party, on the grounds that the order included the CDL full burning fire; and an individual resident of the special control area, on the grounds of (a) the cost of conversion to an approved heating system; (b) the impracticability of monitoring fuel use in the special control area; (c) the likely levels of grant aid; (d) transboundary smoke pollution; (e) the discriminatory nature of the order; and (f) the absence of a mains gas supply. I would refer the Deputy to the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 132 of Tuesday, 21 November 1989, in which I outlined the position regarding an oral hearing in relation to this order.
Objections to the order made for Crumlin Area A were received from Coal Distributors Limited, on the grounds, inter alia, that Dublin Corporation failed to comply with the provisions of section 39 of the Air Pollution Act, 1987; Anthony Haughan and Company Limited, which has not to date cited the reasons for the objection; and an individual on grounds relating to the cost of conversion. This order was submitted to me for confirmation on 12 December and I am currently considering the position regarding an oral hearing.