Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Oct 2002

Vol. 555 No. 1

Written Answers. - Air Quality.

Bernard Allen

Question:

288 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will report on the results of air pollution monitoring through each local authority; 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. [17676/02]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

382 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the extent to which adequate air pollution monitoring exists; if the technology involved is sufficiently modern and adequate to meet requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17861/02]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 288 and 382 together.

The EPA's Air Quality Monitoring Annual Report 2000, a copy of which is in the Oireachtas Library, details air quality recorded at all monitoring stations in Ireland in the 2000-01 monitoring period. The report shows that Ireland's air quality remains good and all current national and EU standards are being complied with.

The Air Quality Standards Regulations, 2002, made in June 2002, specify the reference methods to be used for the sampling, analysis and measurement of six pollutants, sulphur dioxide, SO2, oxides of nitrogen, NO2 and NO2, particulate matter, PM10, lead, benzene and carbon monoxide, for which ambient air quality standards will apply from 2005-10. These reference methods are in conformity with the Air Quality Framework Directive (92/30/EC) and Daughter Directives (1999/30/EC and 2000/69/EC) and are considered state-of-the-art for monitoring networks.

The extent to which adequate air pollution monitoring exists throughout the country and whether the technology involved is sufficiently modern and adequate to meet requirements are matters for the relevant local authorities, and the EPA at a national level under article 4 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992 (Air Quality Assessment and Management) Regulations, 1999. In anticipation of the making of national regulations transposing the Air Quality Framework and Daughter Directives, the agency published the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme: A Discussion Document in August 2000. This provides the basis for the future development of Ireland's air quality monitoring network in accordance with the directives. The discussion document deals with providing a monitoring network meeting all the technical standards in the directives and ensuring that the technologies employed in the monitors and their locations, are in conformity with requirements. Information on the installation of modern technology monitors is provided and I understand the EPA is in discussion with relevant local authorities about necessary additional monitors.

The discussion document is available in the Oireachtas Library.

Question No. 289 answered with Question No. 184.