Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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155. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which levels of air pollution continue to be monitored; if the results are in keeping with best practice and international requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32294/16]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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Air quality monitoring in Ireland is carried out to meet the requirements of EU Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe, also known as the CAFE Directive. The Directive requires that certain minimum levels of monitoring are conducted for the purpose of assessment and management of air quality.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has responsibility for the monitoring of air quality in Ireland, and monitors a range of atmospheric pollutants, based on data obtained from the 31 monitoring stations that form the national ambient air quality network.

The EPA publishes an annual report on air quality, primarily based on the monitoring requirements of the CAFE Directive.  The most recent report, Air Quality in Ireland 2014 – Key Indicators of Ambient Air Quality, was published in September 2015 and provides an assessment of air quality in Ireland for 2014, compared to the CAFE Directive standards, as well as assessments in relation to the more stringent World Health Organisation (WHO) air quality guidelines for the protection of human health and the European Environment Agency (EEA) estimated reference levels.

The report indicates that NOx values, arising primarily from the transport sector, are showing a slight increase over 2013 figures at some locations, and indicates a risk that growth in economic activity will lead to an increase in NOx levels.  Similarly, the report indicates that levels of particulates (PM2.5) and compounds (PAH) have increased at some stations.

Notwithstanding these issues, I welcome the fact that no levels above the EU limit value were recorded at any of the ambient air quality network monitoring sites in Ireland in 2014.  Particulate matter levels are of concern, particularly during the winter heating season in some areas where the sale of smoky coal is permitted.  Because of this, levels of particulate matter in smaller towns can often be similar to, or higher than, those in cities where the sale and use of smoky coal is banned.  To help protect our good air quality, consumers must become more aware of their choice in home heating fuel and the potential impact that this choice can have on air quality in their locality and on human health.

A new national update on air quality 2015 will be available later this year.  Meanwhile, following a comprehensive review of the current status of ambient air quality monitoring in Ireland, a new national ambient air quality monitoring programme is proposed under Section 65 of the EPA Act, to strengthen the capacity and capability to provide more comprehensive, localised air quality information linked to public health advice. The EPA is currently running a public consultation on this and my Department intends to participate fully in the consultation and follow up actions as appropriate.