Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 February 2010
264 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, arising from air pollution monitoring outposts throughout the country, he has noticed an increase in any particular form of pollution; the action he will take in response thereto; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7279/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe monitoring, assessment and management of ambient air quality in Ireland is carried out according to the requirements of the EU Air Quality Framework Directive. This Directive was transposed into Irish law through the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992, (Ambient Air Quality Assessment and Management) Regulations, 1999. Under further regulations made in 2002, 2004 and 2009, specific ambient air quality standards have been prescribed for the following pollutants:
sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead (2002);
carbon monoxide and benzene (2002);
ozone (2004); and
polyaromatic hydrocarbons, arsenic, nickel, cadmium and mercury in ambient air (2009).
Where the indicative level for any pollutant is exceeded, the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2002 require the local authority concerned, following notification by the EPA, to develop a long-term air quality management plan to ensure compliance with the thresholds for the relevant pollutant or pollutants. The EPA reports the results of the air quality monitoring of the above pollutants through its website: http://www.epa.ie/whatwedo/monitoring/air/data/. My Department keeps these data under ongoing review to identify any significant trends which might emerge and also meets periodically with the EPA on air quality issues.
The EPA also publishes a comprehensive annual report on air quality, the most recent being the report on Air Quality in Ireland 2008 (September 2009). This report provides an overview of ambient air quality trends in Ireland in 2008 based on data from 30 monitoring stations and a further 18 stations operated by local authorities to measure black smoke. The Report confirmed that air quality was generally good at monitoring stations throughout the country, with pollution levels in larger cities highest at traffic influenced sites but highest in smaller urban areas due to the burning of coal and solid fuels. All monitored levels met required EU and national standards.
As part of a commitment on monitoring air quality made under the 2007 Programme for Government my Department requested the EPA to undertake an overall review of the adequacy of the air quality monitoring network in light of population change in urban areas. The review has now been completed and a report of its findings is currently being finalised by the EPA.
