Written answers

Tuesday, 3 October 2017

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Air Quality

Photo of Michael Healy-RaeMichael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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493. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the implementation of a nationwide network of real time air quality monitoring stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41935/17]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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Following a review by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of air quality monitoring and information provision in Ireland, a decision was taken to develop a new Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme which aims to enhance and build on current arrangements. The new national Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme is being developed under Section 65 of the EPA Act, 1992 as amended. One of the key objectives of the programme is to enhance the provision of real time air quality data to the public.  The statutory basis for the programme underlines the importance placed on air quality monitoring in Ireland.  The Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme covers 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. I fully support of this important initiative, and have committed funding of some €5 million over the lifetime of the programme.

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