I assume that the Deputy is referring to air pollution in Dublin City. In accordance with section 54 of the Air Pollution Act, 1987, monitoring of air quality and of the nature, extent and effects of emissions is a matter for individual local authorities, in performance of their functions under the Act having regard to any relevant directions from the Minister for the Environment.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 97 of 14 February, 1990 for general information regarding national vehicle emissions.
The Air Pollution Act, 1987 provides a comprehensive statutory framework for the control of emissions from fixed sources and measures are being taken under that Act to control and limit both industrial and domestic emissions. In addition there is a range of regulations providing for the construction, use and testing of vehicles to limit emissions, and to control the levels of particular substances in petrol and gas oils. This legislation is being implemented as appropriate, both by relevant local authorities and my Department. More stringent vehicle emission standards will be introduced with effect from the end of 1992.
The Environmental Protection Agency, which will be in operation in 1990, will have responsibilities, inter alia, in relation to the control and regulation of scheduled development likely to pose a major risk to environmental quality and for general monitoring of environmental quality.
Air quality standards in effect in Ireland are in full accordance with the relevant EC requirements.
