Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 466: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which he has studied the results of air pollution monitoring at various locations throughout the country; if such results are expected to prompt him to take particular or specific action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21164/08]

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Air quality assessment is the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency. The Agency's most recent report on Air Quality in Ireland, published in 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. Monitoring in 2006 showed that air quality in Ireland is good and complied with the air quality standards in force for all pollutants. In addition there has been a significant downwards trend for major pollutants well below the standards with the exception of some mainly vehicular related emissions. I am keeping the position under close review and in this regard I look forward to receiving the 2007 Air Quality Report in due course.

A key indicator from my Department's Statement of Strategy 2008 — 2010 is progress in addressing emissions of transboundary air pollutants and maintaining high air quality standards. Accordingly, my Department has in place ongoing relevant initiatives and programmes, including the National Emissions Reduction Plan, a Voluntary Agreement with the Solid Fuel Trade Group, currently under review, and the recent introduction of Sulphur Content of Heavy Fuel Oil, Gas Oil, and Marine Fuels Regulations, 2008. In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to expand the network of air quality monitoring stations, my Department will also shortly undertake a review of the existing network in consultation with the EPA.