Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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89. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the measures that are being implemented to monitor and mitigate air pollution in identified hotspots within Dublin central, where recent studies have shown nitrogen dioxide levels exceeding World Health Organisation guidelines; the timeline for these interventions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18245/25]

Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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90. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there are plans to expand the network of real-time air quality monitoring stations in Dublin central to provide more comprehensive data on pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter (PM2.5); the way in which this data will be utilised to inform public health policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18246/25]

Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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91. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the initiatives that are being undertaken to raise public awareness about air quality issues in Dublin central, particularly in areas identified as pollution hotspots; the way in which residents are being informed about real-time air quality data and its health implications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18247/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 89, 90 and 91 together.

The national air quality monitoring network is operated, maintained and monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme (AAMP), which is funded by my Department.

A significant upgrade to the AAMP network was undertaken in recent years, also 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. The key goal of LIFE Emerald is to strengthen air quality management in Ireland to ensure effective implementation of the EU Ambient Air Quality Directive. The Forecast Maps were launched by the EPA last November and predict the daily air quality based on the Air Quality Index for Health for up to 3 days.

The EPA produces an annual report on Air Quality which provides an overview of the quality of our air and key issues that impact upon it. 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 www.airquality.ie The monitoring stations collect air quality data for a range of pollutants to provide information to the public and allow assessment against European legal limit values and World Health Organisation guideline values. My Department and the EPA are currently reviewing the network of stations in light of the revised EU Ambient Air Quality Directive and any potential changes to the network will be informed by that review. My Department is also currently working with a number of local authorities, including Dublin City Council, to develop air quality roadmaps to ensure compliance with the 2030 requirements of the revised Ambient Air Quality Directive.

Ireland is currently not in exceedance of any of our legal requirements for air quality levels. Although the WHO guidelines are not legally binding, it is recognised that there is no safe level of air pollution. The Clean Air Strategy published in 2023 sets out our ambition to meeting the requirements of the WHO guidelines by 2040 and the roadmap for how this will be achieved.

My Department also supported Cork City Council to develop a National Clean Air Website (cleanair.ie). This website serves as a comprehensive hub for all air quality matters and will be an essential tool for creating public awareness and inspiring appropriate behaviour change.