TOWN BANS SMOKY COAL
March 1998
DUNDALK is one of five urban areas embraced in a government decision to extend a ban on the marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous (smoky) coal.
The others are Limerick, Arklow, Drogheda and Wexford. Bans already operate successfully in the built-up areas of Dublin since 1990, and Cork since 1995.
Dundalk is chosen on the basis of an analysis of air quality monitoring over recent years.
In tandem with this move, Minister Dermot Ahern announces the extension of the Smokeless Fuel Allowance to the five areas in question.
Those who qualify, receive an extra £3 a week during the heating season which commences on 19 October and runs for 26 weeks.
‘Research has shown that the ban on the sale of bituminous coal has led to major public health and environmental improvements,’ says Mr Ahern.
‘ The cost of social welfare improvements must be seen as an investment in a healthy environment.’ A hoax leads to a major search and rescue operation along the north Louth coast.
The Irish Coastguard helicopter is dispatched from Dublin, after reports of a red flare sent up above Templetown at Cooley Point.
The coastguard based at Greenore is also alerted, and a two-hour search and rescue mission begins.
A second red flare is set off, before emerges the whole episode is a hoax.
‘We have no choice but to respond to any and all emergency calls,’ remarks a spokesman.
‘Red flares are used at sea when craft are in need of immediate assistance, and when they are reported, coastguard headquarters it in Dublin send all available resources, including helicopter support, to search for the source of the flare.’
The major concern the coastguard have is, if another marine emergency occurs when the helicopter is responding to a hoax, lives could be put in danger.
Gardaí are investigating the hoax, and anyone with any information is advised to pass it on to the guards in Omeath.