Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 27 Feb 1991

Vol. 405 No. 7

Written Answers. - Smokeless Fuels.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

73 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Energy if his attention has been drawn to the fact that (1) there is widespread dissatisfaction with the quality of some of the smokeless fuels which have been put on the market as substitutes for bituminous coal, (2) many people have had to spend more on this fuel than was anticipated because of the low calorific value of the coal and (3) it has caused damage to fire grates and carpets because of sparks; and if he will outline the steps he has taken, with the suppliers of smokeless fuel, to improve the quality of the fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Energy (Mr. Molloy)

I am aware of concerns expressed regarding the quality and burning characteristics of certain low smoke fuels which have been sold this winter on the greater Dublin market. Damage to fire grates is alleged to have taken place in certain instances while sparks have been said to damage carpets, particularly at ignition times or when refuelling is taking place. This has normally, but not solely, been associated with the burning of petcoke which, when used on its own, can burn with an intense heat. In such cases, complainants have stated that the fuel is too hot for their purposes. In other cases, it is claimed that consumers have had to spend more because there has not been sufficient heat from the fuels which they have used.

Over the past few months, I and officials from my Department have had a series of discussions with representatives from the coal trade about the petcoke and about the quality and consumer satisfaction with other low smoke coals on the market. The coal trade have voluntarily decided to withdraw petcoke from sale; it should now be available in Dublin only in a blended form. Furthermore, I and my colleagues, the Minister for Industry and Commerce and the Minister with responsibility for environmental protection, will examine all possible measures, including information to and education of the consumer and the possibility of the formulation of a mandatory standard for petcoke blends and of optional standards for other coals to bring further information and consumer satisfaction to the whole situation. I believe that overall the situation, subject to some lack of familiarity and dissatisfaction, is good and that low smoke fuels have made a notable contribution to Dublin's air.