Written Answers. - Pollutant Emissions.
Michael Creed
Ceist:
43
Mr. Creed
asked the
Minister for Energy
whether he has placed any restrictions on the specifications of coal that may be burned by the ESB at its Moneypoint power station, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Alan Shatter
Ceist:
77
Mr. Shatter
asked the
Minister for Energy
the current level of emission of sulphur dioxide and of nitrogen oxides from ESB power stations; the way in which these levels compare with 1980 levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Nuala Fennell
Ceist:
86
Mrs. Fennell
asked the
Minister for Energy
whether he has had discussions with the ESB regarding their plans to reduce the emission of pollutants from their plant; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 43, 77 and 86 together.
The most recent figures available for sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from power stations relate to the end of 1988 in which 71,000 tonnes of sulphur dioxide and 41,000 tonnes of nitrogen oxides were emitted. In 1980, the corresponding figures were 99,000 tonnes and 28,000 tonnes respectively.
Under an EC Environment Directive, the principal requirement for the ESB is that by 1993 and onwards overall emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides should be kept within ceilings of 124,000 tonnes and 50,000 tonnes, respectively. The Government have decided, however, that in addition Ireland will accede to the Helsinki Protocol whereby national sulphur dioxide emissions, both from industry and power stations, will be cut by 30 per cent by 1993 based on 1980 levels. It has also been decided to sign the Sofia Protocol in which Ireland's overall emissions of nitrogen oxides by 1994 will be stabilised at 1987 levels.
No restrictions have been placed on the specification of the coal being burnt at Moneypoint but, arising from the Government's decision to accede to the Helsinki Protocol, certain steps will have to be taken by the ESB which will involve the use of low sulphur coal at Moneypoint. Other steps which will be taken separately or in combination with the above include the continued use of natural gas by the ESB and, if necessary, the installation of desulphurisation equipment at power stations.
