Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 January 2021
14. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of inspections that have been carried out regarding compliance with the Air Pollution Act 1987 in 2019 and 2020; the number of samples taken during the period; the percentage of samples that breached the regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4623/21]
View answerEnforcement actions under the Air Pollution Act are a matter for Local Authorities and my Department does not compile statistics in relation to inspections undertaken or enforcement actions initiated. The latest Recommended Criteria for Environmental Inspection data collated by the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to 2019 includes the following air enforcement statistics for Local Authorities:
|
Air Quality Inspections |
Total in 2019 |
|
Inspections of Air Emission Licenced Sites |
89 |
|
Total number of inspections carried out under the solid fuel regulations |
1,033 |
|
Number of multi-agency inspections carried out. |
20 |
|
Total number of fuel samples collected and analysed. |
106 |
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to further strengthen enforcement of air legislation by developing a regional approach to air quality enforcement. A coordinated approach is required given the links between burning of solid fuels and the health effects of air pollution, as well as the potential for market distortion for businesses properly adhering to the rules. Increased multi-agency inspections and enforcement, including the increased use of fixed payment notices, are required and my Department is fully committed to supporting Local Authorities in this regard.
Building on the success of other regional environmental enforcement models, I expect this Programme for Government commitment to be significantly progressed in the coming months.
