asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to a report in the media (details supplied) which claims that the level of smog which now affects part of Ireland is greater than at any time in the last 20 years and that the alleged reason for this smog is uncontrolled pollution in continental Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Level of Smog.
232.
The media reference in question has been brought to my notice. While there is no specific information on smog levels available in my Department the inference that there has been a general disimprovement in national air quality is not consistent with our national air pollution monitoring results. I think it must also be accepted as highly unlikely in view of our prevailing westerly winds that exhaust fumes and factory emissions in continental Europe are a significant contributor to air pollution and visibility problems in this country.
Ireland is a party to the Geneva Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution which binds participating States to take steps towards reducing air pollution. This country also takes part in the United Nations European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme.
The EEC Action Programme on the Environment has given rise to a number of air quality control measures with which Member States must comply. Legislative controls of air pollution are at present being reviewed in my Department in the light of both national and EEC requirements including the likely requirements of an EEC framework directive on air emissions from industrial plant at present being considered.