asked the Minister for Health whether health authorities have power to prevent pollution of the atmosphere by mechanically propelled vehicles; if so, the nature of such power; and if, having regard to increasing medical and public concern about atmospheric pollution by mechanically propelled vehicles, he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Atmospheric Pollution.
2.
Mr. Ryan
Health authorities as such have no statutory powers to prevent pollution of the atmosphere by mechanically propelled vehicles and it is not appropriate that they should have, since environmental services, of which air pollution control is only one of many, are primarily a matter for the sanitary authority. As the Minister for Local Government has already informed the Deputy, the matter is under consideration in his Department, which is the appropriate Department.