Vol. 547 No. 1
784 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the guidelines which cover foul odours as a health hazard; the steps which can be taken to ensure that foul odours must be tackled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2350/02]
No such guidelines have been issued by my Department. Under the Air Pollution Act 1987, as amended by the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992, primary responsibility for the monitoring of air quality and the nature, extent and effects of emissions rests with a local authority. In the case of activities licensable under the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992, the management of odours is a matter for the EPA. The Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992 (Ambient Air Quality Assessment and Management) Regulations 1999 designated the EPA as the competent authority and body responsible for assessing ambient air quality for the purposes of Directive 96/62/EC on ambient air quality assessment and management. Part II of the Air Pollution Act 1987 sets out the steps which can be taken in relation to air pollution.
