Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Air pollution is perceived as the second biggest environmental concern for Europeans after climate change, according to the European Commission. Ten times more people are killed by air pollution than by road accidents in the EU. The UN has stated that the failure of governments across the world to ensure their citizens breathe clean air is a violation of the rights to life, health and well-being. The Clean Air Alliance has claimed that four people in Ireland die every day from the effects of air pollution. Some 1,150 premature deaths in Ireland are attributable to air pollution.

Yesterday, the Minister advised that up to 6 June, there had been 98 breaches of the daily air pollution limits recorded in the State. Sixty five of those were in Dublin, including four in Blanchardstown, two in the Phoenix Park and 12 in Ringsend. There were also 11 in Enniscorthy. There were even more in places like Davitt Road and other heavy industrialised areas.

Air pollution is a major cause of premature death and disease, and is the single largest environmental health risk in Europe, causing approximately 400,000 premature deaths per year. The report published in 2018, using data for 2015 indicates 1,150 premature deaths in Ireland. Heart disease and stroke are the commonest reasons for premature death attributable to air pollution. Air pollution leads to reduced lung function, respiratory infections and aggravated asthma, particularly in children. The current rental crisis is adding to the asthma crisis because of mould and bacteria in poor rental accommodation. Recent evidence suggests the central nervous system is also affected.

What does the Government propose to do about it? I do not want a 340 or 640-item list of things it plans to do out to 2040. I want to see action in the here and now that relieves people, in particular children, who are suffering. Air pollution and climate change are intertwined. Several air pollutants are also climate forcers, which have a potential impact on climate and global warming in the short term. Air pollution and climate change should be tackled jointly using policies and measures that have been developed through an integrated approach.

I am concerned that the Government is all talk and almost no action in tackling what it is killing Irish people, including children.

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