Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 6

Written Answers. - Air Pollution.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

113 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to air pollution at any locations throughout the country which exceeds internationally accepted safety guidelines; if his attention has further been drawn to any areas showing consistently high levels of air pollution; his views on whether any action is required in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17868/00]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

114 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to any information indicating high levels of air pollution in Leixlip, County Kildare; if these levels breach EU safety guidelines or are a risk to public health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17869/00]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. D. Wallace)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 114 together.

I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 34, 122 and 130 of 6 April 2000 and Question No. 197 of 24 May 2000.

Regarding the reply to Question No. 197 of 24 May 2000 concerning air pollution in Leixlip, I confirm that while sulphur dioxide – SO2 – levels recorded in 1998-99 were the highest nationally, they remain fully in compliance with relevant national and EU air quality standards. On a precautionary basis I understand that the Environmental Protection Agency is currently assisting Kildare County Council in endeavouring to identify the reasons for the relatively high levels. Since additional agency and council monitors were installed in May 2000, I also understand that the recorded levels of SO2 have been low and consistent with other monitored urban areas nationally. The increased levels of monitoring will continue over the coming months to determine the cause of the anomalous readings and of any possible recurrence of higher SO2 levels should this occur.

In terms of improving urban air quality, I recently announced the extension of the ban on the marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous coal to five new urban areas, including Leixlip, to commence in October 2000. Based on the success of similar bans in other areas, this measure should have a beneficial impact on Leixlip.