Vol. 548 No. 3
177 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will report on the results of air pollution monitoring throughout north County Kildare, with particular reference to the towns of Kilcock, Leixlip, May nooth, Celbridge, Clane and Naas; if modern technology has been used for such monitoring; if previously used technology has been updated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5036/02]
The most recent report on national air pollution monitoring, including for sulphur dioxide, SO2, and smoke, at sites in Celbridge, Leixlip, Newtown House, near Leixlip, Naas and Newbridge, County Kildare, is contained in the Environmental Protection Agency's air quality monitoring annual report for 2000, published in January 2002. A copy is available in the Oireachtas Library. No data are reported for Clane, Kilcock or Maynooth.
The EPA report indicates that levels of SO2 and smoke in the April 2000 to March 2001 monitoring period were low for all stations, including in County Kildare, and the concentration levels at these stations having the required level of data capture to assess compliance with national air quality standards were in compliance with the standards.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 263 of 22 May 2001 regarding the responsibilities of local authorities and the EPA for the monitoring technologies used. Information on the technologies used for monitoring SO2 and smoke is contained in the EPA's report.
