Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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606. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans with regard to the testing of set-down and collection areas around schools for exhaust emissions to identify potential dangerous levels of particulate matter; and his further plans to ameliorate potential threats caused by high levels of particulate matter. [37365/18]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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Emissions from transport, including particulate matter (PM) emissions, can have a detrimental impact on both environmental ecosystems and human health. Inhalation of PM can increase respiratory morbidity (including exacerbation of existing conditions such as asthma) as well as contributing to cardiovascular disease.

In recognition of the fact that air pollution has greater impact on health at lower levels than was previously understood, I am preparing to launch Ireland’s first ever National Clean Air Strategy, which will provide the strategic policy framework to identify and promote the required integrated measures across Government to reduce air pollution and promote cleaner air, while also delivering on wider social and economic objectives.  A number of measures to address emissions from transport will be set out in the strategy, including a review of financial measures that may incentivise particular consumer choices in transport. 

In addition, a key part of the strategy will be the expansion of our monitoring and data gathering capacity, to better inform policy choices.  The new national Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme (AAMP) will double the number of ambient air quality monitoring stations in Ireland by 2022 and enhance the provision of real time air quality data to the public.  Further details on the timeframes for the expansion of the network will be released as they become available. I fully endorse this important initiative, and have committed funding of some €5 million over the lifetime of the programme. Testing of particular areas, such as 'set-down' areas around schools, is not currently planned but I would fully support local initiatives that Local Authorities or school authorities may begin in this regard; for example in the context of the Green Schools programme or the Clean Air Award under the Tidy Towns programme.

Finally, I am a strong proponent of Electric Vehicles (EVs). 2018 has seen a marked step change in the take-up of EVs in Ireland.  So far this year, EV sales have already surpassed the total number of EVs sold in 2017 and I think this trend will only continue as more people become aware of the environmental and broader benefits driving an EV brings.Further information on  the supports available and on the benefits and realities of driving an EV are available on the website www.DrivingElectric.iewhich is a one-stop shop providing information on EVs.