Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 June 2023
164. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the required establishment of dedicated resources within regional lead authorities to provide co-ordination, expertise and advice to ensure enforcement of the new air-quality regulations nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28905/23]
View answerAt present there are no regional lead authorities in place in relation to air quality enforcement. My Department has worked with the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) to develop the business case for an enhanced enforcement structure to support the provision of improved co-ordination, expertise, and advice to underpin consistent implementation of air quality legislation across the country. We expect this to be submitted formally to the sector for approval in the coming months.
In the absence of a co-ordination body, officials from my Department have been engaging directly with enforcement personnel on the ground, developing guidance and training, holding workshops, providing funding and supporting the sharing of best practice in relation to a range of legislative obligations that are under the remit of the Local Authorities.
In 2022, the Department made €200,000 available to support Local Authorities through a pilot solid fuels enforcement scheme. On foot of the learnings taken from the pilot scheme and feedback from the sector, officials from my Department have allocated additional funding of €500,000 to Local Authorities to support targeted enforcement campaigns. Further funding to support enhanced enforcement structures will be made available once agreed.
