Vol. 522 No. 4
48 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has concerns with regard to the serious increase in air pollution in our cities, particularly the rise in PM10's (particulate pollution); the measures he will take to combat air pollution; the amount of money he will contribute to air quality management plans drawn up by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18792/00]
I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 34 of 6 April, 2000 229 of 22 February 2000; and 592 of 26 January 2000.
In addition to the measures which I have previously outlined, to combat air pollution, I recently announced an extension of the ban on the marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous coal to five new areas, including Galway and Waterford, with effect from October next.
It is a matter for each local authority to determine its own expenditure priorities in the context of its annual estimates. Expenditure arising in respect of air quality management plans is dealt with by local authorities in this estimates context. Such expenditure is funded from a variety of sources including the local Government fund and other State grants, rates, and fees and charges.
Grants totalling £339.3 million have been allocated to local authorities from the local government fund in respect of the year 2000 as a contribution towards their general purpose needs.
