Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 532: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has studied the result of air quality monitoring at various locations throughout the country; the degree to which pollutants have been identified; the nature of such pollutants and the action proposed arising therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31315/10]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 533: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which air pollution monitoring points through the country have recorded any changes arising from the Icelandic volcanic eruptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31316/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 532 and 533 together.

The monitoring, assessment and management of ambient air quality in Ireland is carried out according to the requirements of the EU Air Quality Framework Directive. This Directive was transposed into Irish law through the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 (Ambient Air Quality Assessment and Management) Regulations 1999. Under further regulations made in 2002, 2004 and 2009, specific ambient air quality standards have been prescribed for the following pollutants: sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead (2002); carbon monoxide and benzene (2002); ozone (2004); and polyaromatic hydrocarbons, arsenic, nickel, cadmium and mercury in ambient air (2009).

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has responsibility for the monitoring of Irish air quality. The EPA continually monitors a range of atmospheric pollutants via a network of air quality monitoring stations located around the country. The EPA reports the results of the air quality monitoring of the above pollutants on its website at: http://www.epa.ie/whatwedo/monitoring/air/data/. My Department keeps these data under ongoing review to identify any significant trends which might emerge and also meets periodically with the EPA on air quality issues.

Where the indicative level for any pollutant is exceeded, the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2002 require the local authority concerned, following notification by the EPA, to develop a long-term air quality management plan to ensure compliance with the thresholds for the relevant pollutant or pollutants. The main air pollutants that could be associated with the recent volcanic ash plume would be sulphur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter, or dust, with a diameter less than 10μm (PM10). Monitoring data has shown no increase in either PM10 or SO2 levels as a result of the volcanic ash cloud.

As a precautionary measure, the EPA increased its air quality monitoring activity for the duration of the ash cloud event and monitored the situation on an hourly basis. Data from monitoring stations was transmitted to the EPA website in real-time and can also be viewed at http://www.epa.ie/whatwedo/monitoring/air/data/.

The EPA also publishes a comprehensive annual report on air quality, the most recent being the report on Air Quality in Ireland 2008 (September 2009). This report provides an overview of ambient air quality trends in Ireland in 2008 based on data from 30 monitoring stations and a further 18 stations operated by local authorities to measure black smoke. The Report confirmed that air quality was generally good at monitoring stations throughout the country, with pollution levels in larger cities highest at traffic influenced sites, and with the burning of coal and solid fuels being the most significant factor in smaller urban areas. All monitored levels met required EU and national standards.

As part of a commitment on monitoring air quality made under the 2007 Programme for Government 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 review has now been completed and a report of its findings is currently being finalised by the EPA.