Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 363: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, arising from air pollution monitoring outposts throughout the country, he has noticed an increase in particular forms of pollution; if he proposes action in response thereto; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24467/07]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The situation remains broadly similar to that of 10 October when the Deputy raised this matter. Air quality assessment is the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and air quality management is a matter for local authorities informed by air quality measurement data. The EPA's Air Quality in Ireland 2006, published on 10 October 2007, contains details of the monitoring and assessment of national air quality, and incorporates data from all air quality monitoring stations operated by the EPA and local authorities, including monitors in Co. Kildare. Air quality was good throughout the country in 2006 and complied with the air quality standards in force for all pollutants. The report is available on the EPA's website www.epa.ie.

Where the indicative level for any pollutant is exceeded, the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2002 require the local authority concerned, following notification by the Agency, to develop a long-term air quality management plan to ensure compliance with the thresholds for the relevant pollutant or pollutants, including those arising from traffic. As the monitoring in 2006 indicated that air quality in Ireland is good and complied with the air quality standards in force for all pollutants, I understand that the EPA required no local authority to develop a long-term air quality management plan.