Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021
191. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which air quality is being protected; the degree to which the measures in place are achieving the desired result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13223/21]
View answer192. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the monitoring of air quality has shown the need for additional measures in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13224/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 192 together.
The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for monitoring ambient air quality and national emissions levels in Ireland. The most recent report on Ireland’s air quality can be found at https://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/air/quality/epaairqualityreport2019.html, and the most recent report on our annual emissions is available at http://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/air/airemissions/airpollutantemissions/iir2020/ .
These reports serve to inform the policies and measures that are required to improve our air quality and which are detailed in Ireland’s National Air Pollution Control Programme (NAPCP). The updated NAPCP can be accessed at: https://assets.gov.ie/124969/bff8ac05-f314-4f91-9755-907c8da3ef27.pdf
Enforcement actions under the Air Pollution Act are a matter for Local Authorities who have a range of powers available to them to assist them in protecting the quality of our air. These include the authority to undertake inspections of premises and vehicles, to bring prosecutions, and issue fixed payment notices as required.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to develop a regional approach to air quality enforcement. The intention is to establish dedicated resources within regional lead authorities to provide co-ordination, expertise and advice to support effective and consistent implementation of air legislation across the country. 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 regulations. 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.
