Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Any threat to public health is a matter of concern for the Department of Health. The recently published 2019 report of the Environmental Protection Agency on urban environmental Indicators which looks at nitrogen dioxide levels in Dublin does give cause for concern. Nitrogen dioxide, NO₂, is an air pollutant associated with urban areas. It is strongly linked with traffic emissions. High levels of NO₂can have a detrimental effect on public health, including an increased prevalence of diseases such as asthma. Ireland has some of the highest rates of asthma and cystic fibrosis in the world, as well as high rates of other respiratory conditions. This, in turn, can place an additional burden on health services, with increased numbers of GP visits and hospitalisations. It can also have an impact on the economy in work days lost. While everyone needs good air quality, people with underlying respiratory disease are more vulnerable to health impacts when air quality deteriorates.

The findings in the EPA's report present an early warning of potential exceedances of EU limit values in certain areas of Dublin. The highest levels of NO₂occur at locations where traffic levels are heavier. However, we can draw some comfort from the report’s finding that levels of NO₂are well within the recommended EU limits in many residential areas in Dublin away from busy roads.

It is clear from the findings in the report that long-term exposure to high levels of NO₂is a cause of concern for people’s health. I agree that action needs to be taken. It requires a whole-of-government approach. In that regard, I am confident that implementation of the Government’s recently published climate action plan will have benefits for air quality.

Whereas the Department of Health is tasked with maintaining public health, other Departments and agencies such as the local authorities have significant roles to play. The Department of Communications, Climate Change and Environment has lead responsibility for policy and legislation on air quality. Air quality is a key determinant of health identified by the Healthy Ireland framework for the period 2013 to 2025 and one of 31 indicators included in the Healthy Ireland outcomes framework. The factors that contribute to air quality are complex and inter-related. They will, therefore, will require an inter-sectoral and co-ordinated response to address them. Initiatives to reduce pollutants significantly will require significant inter-sectoral collaboration. The Government’s first national clean air strategy is under development by the Department of Communications, Climate Change and Environment which the Minister anticipates will consider key pollution sources such as transport and its links with increased levels of NO₂. The strategy is expected to lead the way on policy change to improve the air that we breathe.

Improved data collection is very important in ensuring we will not breach EU limits for NO₂. The EPA, by way of improving the availability of real-time air quality data for the public, is setting up new permanent monitoring stations in Dublin in partnership with Dublin City Council and Trinity College Dublin. They include locations in Dublin identified in the report as black spots with the highest levels of NO₂. I understand that, if further monitoring confirms the EU limit values of NO₂have been exceeded, the local authorities in Dublin will be legally required to prepare air quality action plans to address the causes and provide solutions in the affected areas.

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