asked the Minister for Local Government what steps are being taken to test the amount of atmospheric pollution in the Dublin area; and the action being taken to prevent such pollution.
Questions—Ceisteanna. Oral Answers. - Dublin Atmospheric Pollution.
72.
Air pollution measurements have been taken at 17 monitoring stations in Dublin City for a number of years past. Last February I asked Dublin Corporation, Dublin County Council and Dún Laoghaire Corporation to consider increasing the number and spread of these stations. The ESB and certain other industrial undertakings have agreed to make available to my Department results obtained from measuring instruments operated by them.
There are a number of existing controls on atmospheric pollution. The Control of Atmospheric Pollution Regulations, 1970, control the heavier smoke emissions from premises other than private houses. Sanitary authorities are carrying out, at my request, a survey of the premises likely to be affected and are taking appropriate action in respect of specific contraventions of these regulations. Emission of noxious gases from certain chemical and other processes are controlled under the Alkali, etc. Works Regulation Act, 1906. The Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963 enables planning authorities to exercise control on new industries or extensions of existing industries which are liable to cause air pollution.
Would the Minister consider publishing some reports on the working of new regulations which came in in January of this year in order to allay public anxiety on the matter?
I will consider doing that. There is quite an amount of work being done in Dublin assessing the extent of atmospheric pollution, and steps will be taken in time if it is found that the present legislation is not strong enough to enforce these regulations.