asked the Minister for the Environment the principal constituent of atmospheric pollution in the Dublin city centre area; and if he will list these in order of their relative toxicity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin City Atmospheric Pollution.
13.
The principal constituents of atmospheric pollution in the Dublin city centre area are the same as for other European urban atmospheres, namely, sulphur dioxide and smoke—usually grouped together— carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and lead. Other minor pollutants include hydrocarbons, metals and ozone.
I am advised that among the principal pollutants lead is the most toxic with sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide following in that order. However, the Deputy will appreciate that the effects on health depend on the levels of pollutants in the atmosphere.
To what extent do car exhaust fumes and particularly the fumes from buses and other heavier vehicles, contribute to this problem and are there any proposals to deal with this aspect of the matter?
There are no such proposals at present. My information is that the problem is not serious in any way in so far as the emission from cars in the Dublin area is concerned.
How many monitoring stations are there in Dublin city?
That is a separate question.
I have the information here. Dublin Corporation have eight monitoring stations in the centre city area for the purpose of monitoring sulphur dioxide and smoke levels. Measurements are taken at these stations of the lead content of the air but the levels recorded are generally satisfactory in terms of WHO air quality standards.
Is there any monitoring station on the north side of the city—in the Sutton or Howth area for instance?
I cannot say in which areas the stations are located.
I understand that there is not one in the area to which I have referred so perhaps the Minister would arrange to have this situation rectified.
I shall examine the feasibility of doing that.
Is the Minister aware of a recent report in this regard by a medical research group and is he aware also of statements on the subject that emanated about ten days ago from a seminar in Galway to the effect that, first, there is cause for concern about the relative well-being and health of people living in urban areas particularly in Dublin city centre, in regard to pollution levels and, secondly, that the level of pollution in the atmosphere in the city area rises occasionally above what is regarded as being an acceptable standard by the WHO? Is there any proposal to take action on foot of these statements?
I am aware of the statements made recently at the seminar in Galway but there seemed to be a difference of opinion in the views expressed at that seminar. Many matters were considered in the recently published study concerning Dublin air quality in which it was concluded that evidence relating to health was inconclusive. Continuing and more detailed investigation was recommended. This group found that there was a need, too, for study into other pollutants. We are making the necessary arrangements for such study.
Is the Minister aware of the information given by the Minister for Health in answer to question framed on similar lines, information which indicated clearly that the health of people living in urban areas was relatively worse than was the case in respect of people in other parts of the country.
I would accept that.
The Minister's acceptance in this instance does not tally with his earlier remarks.