Fianna Fail pledges to extend smoky coal ban

Fianna Fáil has said it will extend the ban on smoky coal as part of its environmental strategy unveiled today.

The party has also pledged the discharging of untreated sewage into the sea from Ireland's major cities and towns will end by the end of next year.

If re-elected, Fianna Fáil will also press ahead with implementing its waste management plans, including the thorny issue of incineration, the party said.

The Minister for the Environment, Mr Dempsey, said its plans were "realistic and realisable".

Fianna Fáil's environmental plans also include:

• Ensuring group water schemes meet EU quality requirements by end 2003.

• Ensuring the effective implementation of waste management plans.

• Targeting takeaway packaging and chewing gum.

• Implementing of the 10-year climate change strategy.

• Establishing a new Office of Environmental Enforcement to ensure effective enforcement of environmental laws.

• Establishing a Community Facilities Fund targeted at areas of most need.