Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2015
1038. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the public awareness and education schemes run by his Department on an annual basis to inform the public on the importance of clean air; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37348/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department occasionally runs public information and awareness campaigns on air quality issues. Implementation of the smoky coal ban, currently in place in towns with 15,000 residents or more, is often the vehicle used in these campaigns. For example, in early 2015, my Department ran a campaign in local newspapers, providing information on the smoky coal ban rules. Agencies and local authorities are also involved in promoting the importance of good air quality. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publishes an annual report on air quality in Ireland; this can be found at www.epa.ie.
Local authorities regularly initiate their own publicity campaigns, especially in relation to local enforcement of the smoky coal ban. These campaigns include seasonal posters, direct communications with households and the extensive use of social media.
I have commenced a process that will aim to extend the benefits of the smoky coal ban nationwide. This process, which will involve consultation with the EU Commission, different Departments and agencies of Government, industry and the general public, is aimed at introducing the nationwide ban with in the shortest possible timeframe, taking account of these consultations. In conjunction with this policy initiative, my Department will issue a consultation document in the coming weeks, to promote development of Ireland’s first national Clean Air Strategy, which I expect to publish in early 2016.
