Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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41. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the clean air strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16044/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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My Department is currently working to finalise Ireland’s first National Clean Air Strategy which is expected to be completed by the end of 2020.

Tackling the sources and causes of air pollution is a significant cross-Governmental challenge, as it involves emissions from transport, industry, agriculture, shipping and the use of solid fuels in homes. Given the wide range of pollutant sources, it is important that action is coordinated across various sectors.

The Clean Air Strategy will provide a strategic policy framework which will recognise the positive impact of existing Government plans, but also look to identify and promote additional integrated measures to reduce air pollution and promote cleaner air.

As set out in the Programme for Government, the Clean Air Strategy will include policies and measures such as:

- putting in place regional approach to air quality and noise enforcement

- a multi-agency approach to clamping down on the sale of high-sulphur content fuel imported from the UK, with local authorities and the Revenue Commissioners

- investing in our network of monitoring stations, to provide scientific evidence of air quality across different parts of the country, including real-time and localised air quality information

- extending the Smoky Coal ban to new towns and, over the term of Government, move towards a full nationwide ban

There are a number of national policy frameworks already in place which will also help to reduce pollutant emissions and improve air quality such as the Climate Action Plan, and the National Air Pollution Control Programme. It is important that synergies are maximised between these plans and the Clean Air Strategy, with a view to achieving lasting reductions in the health and environmental impacts of air pollution in the most effective manner.