The Government's proposed ban on bituminous coal countrywide could result in the loss of an estimated 150 jobs in the Shannon estuary port of Foynes.
Dockers, importers and hauliers would be affected and the ban would cut the annual revenue of the Shannon/Foynes port company. Last year some 150,000 tonnes of coal were imported through Foynes. The Co Limerick-based company is to make a submission to the Department of the Environment seeking a continuation of trade. Coal importers met in Limerick last night to finalise their response to the proposal.
In a consultation document, the Minister for the Environment, Mr Dempsey, said he was considering a countrywide ban on burning bituminous coal to improve air quality and reduce emissions of smoke and sulphur dioxide.
The Department is also considering a ban on alternative solid fuels with a high sulphur content, such as petroleum coke. Bituminous coal has been banned in 12 urban areas for a number of years.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for Bord na Mona Fuels Ltd, Foynes, warned of price increases for consumers forced to switch to alternatives. He said some alternatives, such as gas or oil-fired central heating, could not operate without an electrical power supply.
Coal accounts for about half Bord na Mona's fuel business following its takeover of several coal-importing businesses around the State. It has invested in plant and machinery in Foynes and has increased its workforce there.
In 1999, 157,000 tonnes of sulphur were emitted into the atmosphere in Ireland. This must be cut to 42,000 tonnes by 2010. However, according to the Government's own calculations, a ban on bituminous products would only lead to a reduction of 7,000 tonnes. The Government would also have to pay an extra £16 million a year in supplementary fuel allowance payments.