Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 June 2021
223. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if the use of high quality air purifiers has been considered as a means of reducing the potential spread of Covid-19 throughout the transport sector including air, rail and bus transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32763/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The continued operation of public transport services has been a priority throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is working closely with all transport operators to ensure that public transport services continue to operate in a safe manner during the crisis.
Public transport services have continued to operate safely over the course of this pandemic and operators have taken heed of all public health requirements. This has included the mandatory wearing of face coverings, social distancing measures onboard services, as well as an enhanced daily cleaning regime across the transport fleet. In addition, transport operators have added signage on the windows of vehicles where windows can be opened asking customers to leave them open. Operators are continuing to research ways in which public transport can provide as safe and reliable an environment as possible. Additional cleaning techniques are being researched and air conditioning systems, where installed, are being checked regularly to ensure they are operating as intended. The NTA and transport operators will continue to observe all public health advice relating to Covid-19.
In relation to air travel, the quality of air provided during a flight is very high. This is due to frequent exchange of air (the entire air supply is typically exchanged every 3-5 minutes) and High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestor (HEPA) filters which are used on board most modern aircraft. It is my understanding that HEPA filters have been installed in all modern commercial jet aircraft for many years. For example, Airbus indicate they have been installed on new Airbus aircraft since 1994. Through communication at the National Air Transport Facilitation Committee, I understand that both the Ryanair and Aer Lingus fleets are all fitted with HEPA filters.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and European Centre for Disease Prevention & Control (ECDC) guidelines address the scenario where aircraft do not have HEPA filters. It states that aeroplane operators using aircraft without HEPA filters avoid the use of cabin air recirculation entirely, provided it is confirmed that this will not compromise any safety critical functions (e.g. avionics cooling, cabin pressurisation etc.).
I wish to highlight that the air quality on aircraft is just one of a suite of measures that can ensure passengers are safe, and not exposed to the COVID-19 virus while flying, as set out in the ECDC and EASA guidance.
