Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for raising this very important issue. Undoubtedly Ireland faces challenges regarding ambient air pollution, which is pollution at particular places at particular times in respect of particular substances. The most serious problem we have is with particulate matter, particularly in smaller towns such as Enniscorthy, as adverted to by Deputy Browne.

Both my predecessors gave a commitment to extend the smoky coal ban, as it is known, to the remaining parts of the country. A number of coal firms indicated that they would legally challenge this decision by the two former Ministers and not only challenge the extension of the ban but also the existing ban.

I am not in any way taking fright in respect of this. I have taken careful counsel from the Attorney General. His advice is that I need to take heed of this challenge and that what is occurring could jeopardise not only the extension but also the ban already in place. I am taking care to consult the Attorney General so we can bring forward robust measures to deal with this.

As the Deputy knows, the nub of the issue is that the existing bans include smoky coal but exclude wood and peat. In the evaluation of particulate matter, which is the core pollutant we are concerned about, there is little or no difference between those two types of products. Therefore, we need to consider how to deal with this proposal. I am fully committed to having a clean air strategy and developing robust proposals to deal with this.

On the second issue raised by Deputy Burton, namely, breaches concerning particulate matter, this is a matter of significant concern. This year, there have been two trans-boundary air pollution events that affected our air quality. Pollutants from other countries were carried into Ireland. There was one event in February and a more significant one over the Easter weekend. These events have contributed to numerous breaches at several of the stations. However, our background level of pollutants is too high. This is underscored by the fact that I am extending, through the EPA, the air-quality monitoring network. We need to improve our performance.

We have significant commitments on all the key pollutants: sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, non-methane volatile organic compounds, ammonia and particulate matter. We will meet four of the targets we have set for 2020. Ammonia remains a problem and we need to address it. Challenges will be faced in the other areas as economic activity grows. We have currently out for consultation a national air pollution control programme. This is to identify the measures and programmes that will deliver on the reduction targets.

It is not true that no action is being taken in respect of this. Besides considering the issue of a ban on particular fuels, we are taking consistent and determined action to improve the position on pollutants coming from the transport and home heating sectors. I refer to very significant reductions in emissions standards for motor vehicles, the promotion of electric vehicles, the promotion of retrofitting and improvement of heating systems. The climate action plan will represent a significant stepping up of ambition in these areas. I accept the Deputy's point that we have a problem. I am determined to find a way to bring about an effective improvement in respect of particulate matter from home heating fuels. I am working with the Attorney General to find a solution.

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