Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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404. To ask the Minister for Health if comprehensive health impact assessments have been conducted in Dublin central to evaluate the effects of prolonged exposure to elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter on residents living in identified hotspots within Dublin Central, where recent studies have shown nitrogen dioxide levels exceeding World Health Organisation guidelines and the healthcare resources that are being allocated to address potential respiratory and cardiovascular issues arising from poor air quality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18250/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Ireland's National Clean Air Strategy, published in April 2023, identifies the most significant air pollutants in an Irish context, including Nitrogen Oxides, and sets out their impacts on human health. With an estimated 1,410 premature deaths in Ireland each year linked with air pollution, this Strategy will play a significant role both in reducing the health impact of air pollution in Ireland, and in achieving Ireland's domestic and EU air quality standards.

The health impacts of air pollution, including Nitrogen Oxides, relate to heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections in children. Nitrogen Oxides also affect liver, spleen and blood functions.

While policy responsibility in relation to air pollution rests with the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, my Department supports the adoption and implementation of actions under the National Clean Air Strategy, and is a member of its Implementation Group.

This Implementation Group supports initiatives aimed at improving air quality by local authorities, in particular those targeting emissions originating from domestic solid fuel burning, transport-related emissions and those associated with certain agricultural practices.

This cross-sectoral approach underlines the importance of improving Ireland's air quality and enables the integration of health messaging in actions under the Strategy.