Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

122. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on Ireland's capacity to monitor air pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48945/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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. This is 3 times greater than the number required under the EU Air Quality Directive.

The monitoring network is supported by a new air quality modelling and forecasting facility developed under the LIFE EMERALD project. The Forecast Maps were launched by the EPA last November and predict the daily air quality for up to 3 days. 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 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. 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. 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 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.