Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 April 2022
126. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the proposed establishment of dedicated resources within regional lead authorities to provide co-ordination, expertise and advice to support consistent enforcement of the new air quality regulations across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18661/22]
View answer142. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details of the additional funding and resources that he has allocated to enable local authorities to increase the enforcement and inspections of cross-Border fuel movements in respect of the implementation of the provisions of the new enhanced solid fuel regulations within their functional areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18788/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 142 together.
My Department and the Local Government Management Agency are continuing to work together on a full assessment of the Local Authority air quality enforcement sector to scope out the resource requirements that will ensure that the most appropriate and effective enforcement structure is put in place with a view to supporting the provision of enhanced co-ordination, expertise and advice that will deliver consistent implementation of air quality legislation across the country.
I have secured initial funding of €1.2 million this year for the provision of additional supports in this regard, and while work is on-going to develop an enhanced co-ordinated approach, my Department continues to engage with enforcement personnel to develop guidance and training, and to support the sharing of best practice in advance of the introduction of new enhanced Solid Fuel Regulations next September.
