Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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63. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of Ireland's first clean air strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44950/20]

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. While it was originally my intention to launch the Strategy alongside a public consultation on a new solid fuel regulation for Ireland, recognising the urgency of taking action to address the health impacts of domestic solid fuel burning, I have chosen to progress the development of enhanced solid fuel regulations in advance.This decision will also allow submissions received during the public consultation process to inform and contribute to the final strategy document.

The Strategy will identify and promote the integrated measures and actions across Government that are required to reduce air pollution and promote cleaner air, while delivering on wider national objectives.

In line with the Programme for Government, the Clean Air Strategy will also support the following measures:

- establishing a regional approach to air quality and noise enforcement;

- developing 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; and

- moving towards a full nationwide residential solid fuel regulation.

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 Energy and Climate Plan. 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.