Dáil debates
Thursday, 25 January 2024
Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions
Air Quality
10:40 am
Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour) | Oireachtas source
I appreciate that. All of this is taking place in a couple of contexts. The DAA has changed its complaints mechanism, which has actually made it more difficult for residents and local communities to make any number of complaints, not just in this area. Also, we know the air quality in our city and all over the county is struggling. We have a huge problem and we have articulated that. The Minister of State, Deputy Ossian Smyth, has also articulated it really well, and has stated that as many as one in five deaths can be attributed to or impacted as a result of air quality in our city. It is a huge issue, and not just an airport issue.
We need to do everything we can with regard to active travel and reducing emissions. However, empowering the EPA in this regard is needed, either through implementation of statutory instruments or a change of legislation. That is something we should work on across the House in the coming months and beyond.
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