Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 217: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce mandatory smokeless fuel emission standards; and when the air quality monitoring report being carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency will be completed. [42941/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The question of extending the areas subject to smokeless fuels is kept under review in consultation with local authorities and having regard to the need to ensure good air quality. Monitoring at permanent and mobile monitoring stations by the EPA and local authorities confirms that air quality in Ireland is good, the data do not support any such extension at present. The EPA is undertaking overall monitoring review at my Department's request as part of the Programme for Government commitment on monitoring air quality, and the adequacy of the air quality monitoring network in light of population change in urban areas is relevant in that context. I expect the EPA will conclude this review by year end.

In October, the Solid Fuel Trade Group (SFTG Ltd) and I signed a new voluntary agreement to maintain low levels in the sulphur emissions of bituminous coal and petcoke, and to maintain existing limitations, through smokeless zones, on the marketing, sale and distribution of solid fuels. The agreement also provides that in the towns and environs of Athlone, Carlow, Clonmel and Ennis, SFTG Ltd. will maintain the smokeless fuel market penetration level of 75%, as a percentage of overall solid fuel sales, as set out in previous agreements. These 4 towns are additional to those already covered by smokeless zones.