Written Answers. - Air Pollution.
David Stanton
Ceist:
63
Mr. Stanton
asked the
Minister for the Environment and Local Government
if his attention has been drawn to reports of the deteriorating level of air quality due to an increase in the number of vehicles; the plans he has to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[15907/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
191
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for the Environment and Local Government
if air pollution monitoring equipment currently in use throughout the country is sufficiently modern and up to date and capable of giving accurate readings; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[16295/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
197
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for the Environment and Local Government
if his attention has been drawn to reports on air pollution; if he has given any instructions arising from these; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[16301/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
200
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for the Environment and Local Government
if he has given any policy directives regarding the monitoring of air pollution throughout the country; if he has received any reports from the Environmental Protection Agency, health boards or other agencies in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[16304/01]
I propose to reply to Questions Nos. 63, 191, 197 and 200 together.
I have received copies of the EPA's Air Quality Monitoring Annual Report, 1999, and Indicators for Transport and the Environment in Ireland, both published in 2000 and copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library. These confirm that while Ireland's air quality is generally good, the main challenges to maintaining and improving air quality arise from pollutants associated with vehicle emissions, notably oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter. While Ireland continues to comply with all current air quality standards, other than marginally exceeding the 98 percentile of mean hourly values for the calendar year for nitrogen dioxide at College Green, the EPA's reports highlight the potential air quality impacts of increased traffic volumes. Accordingly, it is recognised that new EU limit values for particulate matter, PM10, applicable from 2005, and nitrogen oxides, applicable from 2010, will be challenging to meet, particularly in urban areas with heavy traffic.
A number of policies and measures which will facilitate compliance with the new standards have already been implemented. These include the introduction of new fuel standards in 2000 and 2001, including cleaner diesel, a recognised source of PM10; improved emission standards for new vehicles; the introduction of the national car test; local traffic management measures, and significant investment in transport infrastructure such as the Luas. In addition, Ireland will again be participating in the European car free day on 22 September 2001 to encourage people to use sustainable modes of transport. This year my Department will also prepare a national strategy to reduce acidifying emissions, these are sulphur dioxide, SOf7>2, nitrogen oxides, NOx, volatile organic compounds or VOCs and ammonia, NHf7>3, from all sources by 2010 to achieve Ireland's commitment under the UN ECE Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication and Ground Level Ozone – Gothenburg Protocol.
The EPA has recently completed a preliminary assessment of national air quality and the results will be published shortly. In addition, the agency published the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme – A Discussion Document in August 2000. 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 with future air quality standards. In this regard, new standards in respect of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, lead and PM10 will be implemented as required this year.
In regard to air quality monitoring and equipment, I refer to the reply to Question No. 263 of 22 May 2001. I have not given any specific instructions or policy directives regarding national air pollution monitoring. Any additional requirements will be addressed in light of the EPA's assessment referred to above.
Question No. 64 answered with Question No. 53.
