John Gormley
Ceist:129 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if the new EU directive on air quality was discussed at the EU meeting of Environment Ministers. [10361/98]
Written Answers. - Air Quality.
John Gormley
Ceist:130 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on whether Ireland can comply with the new EU directives on air quality. [10362/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 130 together.
The proposal for the first subsidiary directive specifying air quality standards under framework directive 96/62/EC was discussed in an open debate at the EU Council of Environment Ministers meeting on 23 March 1998. I indicated Ireland's support for the proposals while acknowledging that the limit values proposed for certain air pollutants would be challenging, particularly in heavily trafficked urban areas. However, I am committed to ensuring that, in addition to existing measures, any further measures that may be required will be put in place to comply, within specified timeframes, with new air quality standards at EU level.
I also refer to the reply to Question No. 213 of 28 April 1998.