Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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875. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the actions taken following the publication of a report by the European Environmental Agency entitled, Revealing the Cost of Air Pollution, in respect of organisations (details supplied) here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11361/15]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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National and EU standards in relation to emission concentrations, fuel quality and operating conditions are set to apply to a wide range of sources to minimise and limit any damage to the environment.

In relation to industrial emissions, certain installations, including the seven referred to in the question, are subject to the licensing, monitoring and enforcement requirements of the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED). The activities of companies operating with an IED licence are monitored and inspected by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that the terms of their licences are respected, including in relation to emissions.  The emission limits are set to ensure an appropriate balance which allows the operation of industry applying good practice, and protection of human health and the environment. Under the EPA Acts 1992 to 2011, I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by the EPA of its licensing functions in specific cases.

The EEA report referenced in the question does not indicate whether the emissions of a given installation are consistent with its legal IED requirements. All seven industrial plants are IED licensed installations and monitoring undertaken by the EPA has shown that emissions from all seven plant are substantively in compliance with the emission levels prescribed in their IED licenses. Any minor infractions have been subject to oversight by the EPA and follow-up corrective action by the operator.