Vol. 399 No. 4
86 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment if he has approved a list of fuels whose performance has been tested and shown to conform with smokeless requirements for the Dublin market; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Air Pollution Act, 1987 (Marketing, Sale and Distribution of Fuels) Regulations, 1990, made on 21 May 1990, prohibit the marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous coal and set certain standards for solid fuels which may be sold within the restricted area of Dublin.
While there is not an approved list as such, there is already a range of solid fuels currently available on the Dublin market which are not affected by the prohibition. These include Bord na Móna briquettes, union briketts, coalite, extracite and anthracites. I understand that other solid fuels which meet the required standards may also be brought on to the market. EOLAS is available to carry out tests for compliance with these standards.
It is intended to launch an information campaign later this year to advise the public of the solid fuel options which are available and of the characteristics and optimum use of various such fuels.
Apart from solid fuels, other fuels such as electricity, gas and oil may be used for heating purposes.
