Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 October 2007
320 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which he has studied the results of air pollution monitoring at various locations throughout the country; the action or actions expected to be taken arising from such studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23157/07]
Amharc ar fhreagra321 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the results of air pollution monitoring at various locations throughout County Kildare; if the results indicate the requirement for particular action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23158/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 320 and 321 together.
Air quality assessment is the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency and air quality management is a matter for local authorities informed by air quality measurement data. The EPA report, Air Quality in Ireland 2006, which was published earlier today, contains details of the monitoring and assessment of national air quality and incorporates data from all air quality monitoring stations operated by the EPA and local authorities, including monitors in County Kildare. Air quality was good throughout the country in 2006 and complied with the air quality standards in force for all pollutants. The report is available on the EPA's website, www.epa.ie. If the indicative level for any pollutant is exceeded, the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2002 require the local authority concerned, following notification by the Agency, to develop a long-term air quality management plan to ensure compliance with the thresholds for the relevant pollutant or pollutants, including those arising from traffic. As the monitoring in 2006 indicated that air quality in Ireland is good and complied with the air quality standards in force for all pollutants, I understand that the EPA required no local authority to develop a long-term air quality management plan.
