Vol. 453 No. 7
87 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment the views, if any, he has on the upward trend in transportrelated pollution in Dublin city centre and nitrogen dioxide emissions in particular; and the plans, if any, he has to reduce emissions from the transport sector. [10043/95]
Transport is a significant emitter of nitrogen dioxide and lead pollution, and contributes to a lesser extent to concentrations of smoke and sulphur dioxide in air. Data on these pollutants was published in the 1993 ERU report Air Quality in Ireland: A review 1981-1991, a copy of which is in the Oireachtas Library. The report showed no deterioration nationally in nitrogen dioxide concentrations and significant improvements in lead and sulphur dioxide levels since monitoring commenced in accordance with the Air Pollution Act, 1987, (Air Quality Standards) Regulations, 1987. Improvement in smoke concentrations was also apparent from the report.
I understand that the Environmental Protection Agency plans to publish an update of the 1993 report shortly. This will show that no deterioration has taken place in nitrogen dioxide concentrations and that lead, sulphur dioxide and smoke concentrations continue to decrease.
These improvements reflect the ban on bituminous coal; emission control measures on petrol and diesel engined vehicles; and environmental standards for various fuels, including diesel.
