Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 183: 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 specific action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10471/09]

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Monitoring at permanent and mobile monitoring stations by the EPA and local authorities confirms that air quality in Ireland is good. In addition to monthly reports on ozone, particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, the EPA also publishes an annual report on air quality. My Department keeps this data under ongoing review to identify any significant trends which might emerge and also meets regularly with the EPA on air quality issues. The EPA reports are available to the public at:

http://www.epa.ie/whatwedo/monitoring/air/data/

As part of the Programme for Government commitment on monitoring air quality, my Department requested the EPA to undertake an overall review of the adequacy of the air quality monitoring network in light of population change in urban areas. The EPA is expected to deliver this report shortly.