Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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181. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to air quality issues in Ennis (details supplied); his plans to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59437/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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My Department is aware of periodic air pollution spikes in Ennis. The data from the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme shows that on the date referred, there was a short spike in levels of particulate matter in the evening when solid fuel burning by households significantly increased air pollution.

It is important to note if viewing data online that periodic “spikes” in levels of emissions of pollutants are not always indicative of an ongoing serious problem. The Environmental Protection Agency advises that such “spikes” occur primarily during times of certain weather conditions, such as still air and fog, when pollutants are not dispersed in the usual manner. Such “spikes” are typically only of a few hours’ duration.

In order to address one of the most significant sources of air pollution, i.e., the burning of solid fuels, I have recently introduced new solid fuel regulations. These regulations have set minimum standards for all solid fuels being placed on the market in Ireland. However, it will take time for stocks of the more polluting fuels to be used up by households. Using solid fuels less often and ensuring only to use low smoke fuels is the best way to reduce this source of air pollution.

My Department regularly runs public information campaigns to increase awareness around this issue and is also providing support to Local Authorities to increase both enforcement and awareness raising. More information on how to reduce air pollution can be found at airquality.ie/ and www.gov.ie/cleanair/.