asked the Minister for Local Government whether regular tests are conducted to measure air pollution in narrow city streets carrying a considerable volume of traffic such as Grafton Street, Dublin, to ensure that the levels of pollution will not endanger the health of persons living or working in premises in such streets; if such tests are not conducted, if he will arrange to have them carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Air Pollution Tests.
18.
Regular tests are conducted to measure the general levels of atmospheric pollution in Dublin city. The tests relate to areas around the measuring stations and monitoring has not been applied to particular streets. As already announced, the Government are concerned about the question of both water and air pollution and I intend to keep both these problems under constant review. With regard to air pollution I would refer the Deputy to the replies to Question No. 11 on 12th December, 1968, and Question No. 24 on 11th February, 1969, in which it was indicated that the general level of air pollution in this country was not of a level to give cause for concern. The position will be kept under review and, if an extended system of monitoring is considered desirable, arrangements will be made accordingly.
Will the Minister confirm that the principal locations in Dublin city which are tested for pollution are Leinster Lawn, Glasnevin and Harold's Cross? Will the Minister agree that it is unlikely that you would have as severe air pollution there as you would have in a narrow street like Grafton Street with its immense traffic congestion? Is the Minister aware that tests abroad have established that, in narrow streets with considerable traffic congestion, air pollution is more severe than it is in many factories, the owners of which are prosecuted for permitting a certain degree of air pollution?
Does the Minister intend to introduce legislation to deal with environmental pollution in the near future?
I have already announced to the House that I intend introducing regulations in regard to the control of atmospheric pollution.
What about water pollution?
The decision has been made about air pollution. The position in regard to water pollution is being examined at the moment. Water and air pollution are under constant review and we are taking a very serious look at the whole situation.
I take it that the Minister is aware that an international conference held under the aegis of his Department some years ago strongly recommended legislation in respect of water pollution?
The question relates to air pollution.
I wonder would the Minister be good enough to answer my question about the location of the existing test points and if he would also take steps to ensure that tests are conducted regularly in narrow streets like Grafton Street?
I will have a look at this question about narrow streets. I should like to repeat that whatever air pollution there is in Dublin, there is no danger to health. This has been established. At the same time, we do not want to see this position getting any worse. I will have the question of streets looked at.
If you work in Grafton Street at a window which overlooks buses, and cars which are stationary for 50 per cent of your working day, you will probably have been very severely polluted. It is quite different from Merrion Square.