Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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591. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the locations and timeframe for introduction of the national ambient air monitoring network. [24215/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The EPA has undertaken a review of the current state of air quality monitoring and information provision in Ireland.  The outcome of this review was a decision to develop a new air quality monitoring programme which aims to enhance and build on the current arrangements.  The new national Ambient Air Monitoring Programme (AAMP) is being developed under Section 65 of the EPA Act, 1992 as amended.  Placing the programme on this statutory footing emphasises the importance that the EPA places on the monitoring of air quality in Ireland. 

The new national ambient air monitoring network, when completed, will be as detailed in the attached map.

The EPA is currently finalising the multi-annual planning for the new AAMP for Ireland, following a full public consultation in the last quarter of 2016. The AAMP will cover the years 2017 to 2022, with the enhancement and expansion of the monitoring network to be prioritised in the first phases of the programme.  Further details on the timeframes for the expansion of the network will be released as they become available.