Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 199: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which he has studied air pollution reports from the various monitoring stations here; if these reports suggest particular measures that might be taken in cases where significant increases of pollutants are indicated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8409/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Air quality assessment is the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency and air quality management a matter for local authorities informed by air quality measurement data.

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.

The EPA published its report on Air Quality in Ireland 2006 in October 2007. It contains details of the monitoring and assessment of national air quality, and incorporates data from all air quality monitoring stations operated by the EPA. Monitoring in 2006 showed that air quality in Ireland is good and complied with the air quality standards in force for all pollutants.