Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 September 2023
97. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to improve the monitoring of polluted air at school gates, beyond the GLOBE citizen-science project which is limited by its voluntary participation, monitoring period, methodology and indicative results; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41650/23]
View answerI am acutely aware of the effects that vehicular emissions can have on air quality and public health and the role that engine idling can have in this context, especially in built-up settings and in public spaces such as outside schools. My priority is to reduce air pollution and focus funding on measures that can directly improve air quality.
To address and mitigate transport-related air pollution, a broad range of national measures are already in place. These include funding instruments and supports for the uptake of low-emitting electric vehicles; a NOx tax component of the Vehicle Registration Tax to discourage the purchase of more polluting older diesel vehicles; the promotion and adoption of improved vehicle emission standards, and clean vehicle procurement policies.
Engine idling awareness campaigns are being delivered by schools through the Green Schools Programme, which is supported by a number of Government Departments. A resource pack to assist schools in running such campaigns is available at greenschoolsireland.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Green-Schools-No-Idling-Toolkit-for-Schools.pdf .
Emissions from private cars and commercial vehicles are also being examined in the formulation of new policies and measures aimed at protecting air quality. While an outright ban on engine idling is one option, we must also consider the actual impact of banning engine idling on local air quality, how enforceable such a ban would be, and the legislative support required. My Department will continue to work with stakeholders on traffic-related air pollution through the structures set out in the Clean Air Strategy to bring about the most effective solutions.
