Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 November 2023
89. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what measures he proposes to reduce the impact of air pollution on the high levels of asthma and COPD in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50295/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAir pollution is a significant issue across Europe, which is why Ireland is working closely with the Commission and other Member States to ensure that the most ambitious measures are introduced in the revised Clean Air for Europe Directive as committed to in the national Clean Air Strategy which was published in April this year and is available at gov.ie - Clean Air Strategy (www.gov.ie).
As outlined in the recent Environmental Protection Agency Air Quality in Ireland Report 2022, while the quality of the air that we breathe is generally good, there are localised issues which need to be addressed. This is recognised in the Clean Air Strategy which highlights that each year, an estimated 1,410 people die prematurely in Ireland due to air pollution, with the majority of fatalities resulting from inhaling particulate matter from solid fuel burning.
The Government is committed to addressing this critical public health and environmental challenge through a suite of measures as outlined in the strategy, and through the implementation of enhanced regulation of all solid fuels.
In addition, air pollution, elevated as a result of high traffic levels is being addressed across Dublin through the Dublin Region Air Quality Management Plan 2021, in conjunction with other key stakeholders who have primary responsibility for developing measures to reduce traffic congestion.
The Urban Transport Related Air Pollution Working Group (UTRAP) was formed in Autumn 2019 to consider and address rising concerns about the level of transport-generated air pollution. Reports from the work of the group can be found online at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/3f634-urban-transport-related-air-pollution-utrap-working-group/ . The group continues to meet as a forum for ongoing engagement between the key transport stakeholders.
