Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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318. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the support he can offer to residents in Glanmire who are raising issues with air quality. [20919/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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While I understand that the Environmental Protection Agency do not have an air quality monitor in Glanmire, the LIFE EMERALD project, which commenced in 2021 and is part funded by my Department, is developing the capacity to use information from the monitoring network to provide a national three-day air quality forecast and near real-time mapping of air pollutants for the entire country. This project will improve Ireland’s ambient air quality management capabilities, by using an air quality modelling system to gain a better understanding of the factors contributing to poor air quality, and to develop a system that will provide more comprehensive information to the public. In general, air pollution issues are often related to particulate matter, from the burning of solid fuel. I am committed to addressing this public health and environmental challenge through the introduction of new solid fuel regulations later this year. The regulations will introduce minimum standards for all solid fuels placed on the market in Ireland, realising subsequent improvements in air quality.

In addition, my Department has developed a draft Clean Air Strategy which identifies and promotes the integrated actions across Government required to reduce air pollution. The draft Clean Air Strategy is open for public consultation until 3 May, with a view to publishing the final Strategy later this year.