Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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95. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to introduce public air quality monitors in Galway, as some constituents with consumer grade devices are showing noteworthy results (details supplied). [1422/25]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The EPA operates and manages Ireland’s national ambient air quality monitoring programme (AAMP) in conjunction with partners such as local authorities. This programme is funded by my Department and includes dedicated air quality monitoring stations for various pollutants and meets EU requirements for comparison of results with annual and/or daily average limit values.

A significant upgrade to the AAMP network was undertaken in recent years funded by my Department. As a consequence, the number of monitoring stations has increased from 29 in 2017 to 115 today - three times greater than the number required under the EU Air Quality Directive.

The AAMP is supported by a new air quality modelling and forecasting facility developed under the LIFE EMERALD project. This new facility fills in the map between monitoring stations, reducing the need to further expand our monitoring network. Details of the locations of all monitoring stations currently in operation, along with real-time and historic data from each station, can be found at the website, .

It is important to note that the data referred to by the Deputy does not come from a monitor in the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Network and as such it is not possible for my Department or the EPA to comment on the accuracy or reliability of the reported result and its comparison with any national or international standards.

Air quality data from 2023, including from a monitoring station at the location referred to, can be accessed at the following link:

My Department and the EPA are currently reviewing the network of stations in light of the new air quality Directive and any potential changes to the network will be informed by that review.

I am sharing the information received from the Deputy with the EPA.