Deirdre Clune
Question:26 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to increase the level of air quality monitoring throughout the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18638/00]
Written Answers. - Air Quality.
Under the Air Pollution Act, 1987, No. 6 of 1987, and subject to the provisions of the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992, No. 7 of 1992, local authorities are responsible for air quality monitoring in the first instance. Details of the current level of air quality monitoring are outlined in the air quality monitoring annual report 1998, published by the EPA and a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library.
In February 1999, I made regulations which designated the EPA as the responsible body for ambient air quality assessment and management as required by EU Directive 96/62/EC. The agency is required to carry out a preliminary assessment of national air quality as the first step in planning any measures necessary to maintain and improve ambient air quality and to meet the requirements of future air quality directives. I understand the assessment is due for completion this year. The EPA is also preparing a national air quality monitoring programme to meet monitoring requirements for the next ten years, due for publication later this year.
Recommendations arising from the national monitoring programme and the preliminary assessment of national air quality will form the basis for decisions in relation to future air quality monitoring.