John Gormley
Ceist:283 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that no leaded petrol will be available from 1 January 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18841/99]
Written Answers - Leaded Petrol.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 174 of 2 July 1998. The Government is committed to complying with the requirement of Council Directive 98/70/EC prohibiting the marketing of leaded petrol by 1 January 2000. I will make the necessary national regulations to this effect shortly.
My Department recently issued an information mailshot to all registered owners of pre-1986 petrol engined vehicles advising them of the range of alternative options open to them, for example, lead substitute products such as lead replacement petrol or anti-wear additives and engine adjustments of various types. I also launched a national poster campaign in co-operation with the Irish Petroleum Industry Association for display in motor tax, vehicle registration and other local authority public offices, petrol stations, etc. highlighting the alternatives to leaded petrol. The oil industry has not indicated any anticipated problem with the phase-out of leaded petrol. Provisional data for August 1999 indicate leaded petrol sales are 7.26 per cent and continue to fall.