Vol. 488 No. 3
13 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the unprecedented increase in traffic congestion in Dublin and Cork which is causing a serious increase in harmful emissions; and the measures, if any, he is taking to develop an air quality strategy for urban areas which could begin to tackle this problem. [5873/98]
38 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the unprecedented increase in traffic congestion in Dublin and Cork which is causing a serious increase in harmful emissions; the measures, if any, he is taking to develop an air quality strategy for urban areas which could begin to tackle this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5875/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 38 together.
There has been a significant growth in road traffic volumes in Ireland in recent years and this is giving rise to increases in journey times in peak urban conditions. While this has obvious implications for urban air quality, monitoring data show that overall air quality is generally good and all mandatory national and EU ambient standards, including in Dublin and Cork, continue to be met.
Monitoring of pollutants not currently the subject of air quality standards is being developed in prospect of new EU requirements, at present being considered under Directive 96/62/EC on ambient air quality assessment and management and a proposed subsidiary directive relating to limit values for sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead in ambient air. Preliminary work by the Environmental Protection Agency shows a potential problem in relation to PM 10 and this must be factored into updated national and local strategies to prevent and reduce air pollution.
Air quality management planning is a local authority function under the Air Pollution Act, 1987, and I understand that the preparation of a comprehensive air quality management plan for the greater Dublin area is being co-ordinated by Dublin Corporation and is at an advanced stage.
Traffic management strategies for the major urban areas, including Dublin and Cork, have regard to environmental factors. Major road improvements for these areas are also designed to bring benefits in terms of environmental quality.
