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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 6 Feb 1992

Vol. 415 No. 5

Ceisteanna — Questions Written Answers. - Smokeless Fuels.

Jim Mitchell

Ceist:

20 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many thousands of residents in Dublin city are experiencing extreme difficulties arising from the use of smokeless coal and that in many cases since the imposed smoke control zone order, residents have had to change their fire cradles three or four times at considerable expense; if he will outline the steps he proposes to take to alleviate this problem in the city of Dublin and to grant-aid needy families to overcome the additional costs arising from the order; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The greater safety of certain smokeless solid fuels is provided for in an order made by the Minister for Industry and Commerce which had effect from 1 November 1991. This order requires that petroleum coke and other similar high calorific value solid fuels may not be sold for domestic use unless they are mixed with other solid fuels. As regards cost, a special fuel allowance is operated by the Department of Social Welfare in order to minimise for low income households the additional costs arising from the need to use smokeless fuels.

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