Parliamentary Questions
Clean Air Campaign
Questions for Minister of the Environment, Community and Local Government
Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Renua)
1027. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the
number of air quality monitoring sites; their locations; and if he will make a statement
on the matter. [21335/15]
Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Renua)
1028. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the
number of air quality monitoring sites that have the capability of detecting Particulate
Matter 2.5 and Particulate Matter 10; their locations; the number doing so at present;
and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21336/15]
Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) – Minister for the Environment, Community and Local
Government
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1027, to 1029, inclusive, together.
To protect our environment, EU Directives set out air quality standards for a wide variety
of pollutants. The current standards are contained in the 2008 Clean Air for Europe
(CAFE) Directive (Directive 2008/50/EC) and the Fourth Daughter Directive (Directive
2004/107/EC of 15 December 2004 relating to arsenic, cadmium, nickel and polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air). These Directives also include rules on how
Member States should monitor, assess and manage ambient air quality.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is tasked with co-ordinating and managing
this monitoring programme. Ireland is divided into four zones for the monitoring and
assessment of ambient air quality, with a nationwide network of 31 monitoring stations,
measuring levels of air pollutants in the zones and delivering this information to the
public in near real-time at
The zones in place in Ireland in 2015 are the Dublin conurbation (Zone A), the Cork
conurbation (Zone B), 23 large towns with a population >15,000 (Zone C) and the
remaining area of Ireland (Zone D). A table listing the 31 monitoring sites and those
which measure PM10 and PM2.5 is included below.
The numbers and locations of the monitoring equipment for each pollutant listed below,
which includes particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), are determined by the
requirements of the Directives for ambient air monitoring in each zone: sulphur dioxide;
nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen; carbon monoxide; ozone; particulate matter –
PM10 and PM2.5; benzene and volatile organic compounds (VOCs); heavy metals – lead,
arsenic, cadmium, nickel and mercury; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH);
elemental carbon/organic carbon (EC/OC) as part of PM2.5 speciation; and anions and
cations as part of PM2.5 speciation.
Particulate matter is harmful to health and it is accepted among health officials that
exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 should be reduced. In cities, traffic emissions are the main
source of particulate matter while in smaller towns emissions from domestic solid fuel
combustion dominate. The air quality in cities benefits from the ban on smoky coal, as
well as the increased use of gas. The monitoring of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10)
is carried out at a representative number of monitoring locations in each of the four
zones and meets the requirements of the CAFE Directive - it is not necessary to monitor
for particulates at all 31 stations.
In April 2013, the EPA launched Ireland’s new Air Quality Index for Health (AQIH). This
web-based index, developed in conjunction with the Health Service Executive, Met
Éireann and my Department, displays the current air quality across Ireland, by means of
a coloured scale of 1 – 10, divided into four bands (good, fair, poor and very poor), with
health advice provided for each band. The AQIH is calculated hourly and is represented
on a colour- coded map of Ireland, which the public can view at and can easily assess
information about current air quality in their area. The pollutants included in the index
are: ozone; nitrogen dioxide; sulphur dioxide; PM10; and PM2.5. To coincide with the
launch of the Air Quality Index for Health, the EPA also launched a Twitter channel,
@EPAAirQuality, through which the public can receive tweets on the status of air quality
in their region every day.
The EPA is currently preparing a draft national ambient air monitoring programme under
Section 65 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 (as amended), which will
provide the basis and options for the continued development and expansion of the
national ambient air monitoring network. The development of the national ambient air
monitoring programme will include a review of the adequacy of the current network for
both determining compliance with European and national standards for air quality and
for the provision of information to the public about local air quality.
Air Quality
Monitoring
Station
PM10 PM2.5
Ennis, Co. Clare
Yes
Yes
South Link
Road, Cork
Yes
-
Heatherton
Park, Cork
Yes
-
Ballyfermot,
Dublin
Yes
-
Blanchardstown,
Dublin
Yes
-
Clonskeagh,
Dublin
-
-
Coleraine Street,
Dublin
-
Yes
Davitt Road,
Dublin
Yes
-
Dun Laoghaire,
Dublin
Yes
-
Finglas, Dublin
-
Yes
Marino, Dublin
-
Yes
Phoenix Park,
Dublin
Yes
-
Rathmines,
Dublin
Yes
Yes
Rosemount
-
-
St Annes Park,
Dublin
Yes
-
Swords, Dublin
-
-
Tallaght, Dublin
Yes
-
Winetavern
Street, Dublin
Yes
-
Bodkin Road,
Galway
Yes
-
Mace Head, Co.
Galway
-
-
Valentia, Co.
Kerry
-
-
Kilkenny, Co.
Kilkenny
-
-
Emo, Co. Laois
-
-
Portlaoise, Co
Laois
Yes
-
Shannon
Estuary, Co.
Limerick
-
-
Longford, Co.
Longford
-
Yes
Castlebar, Co.
Mayo
Yes
Claremorris, Co.
Mayo
Yes
Yes
Kilkitt, Co.
Monaghan
Yes
-
Yes
-
-
Yes
Bray, Co.
Wicklow
Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) – Minister for the Environment, Community and Local
Government)
1505. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the
annual spend on ambient air quality monitoring programmes here broken down by year
over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32067/15]
The annual expenditure by the Environmental Protection Agency on its air quality
monitoring programme over the past ten years is set out in a table:
2006
212,986.48
2007
322,386.25
2008
454,849.05
2009
369,455.05
2010
631,923.80
2011
470,583.11
2012
579,911.95
2013
561,098.02
2014
665,653.71
2015
642,183.91
Total
€4,911,031.33
Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) – Minister for the Environment, Community and Local
Government)
1506. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the
powers local authorities have to reduce or tackle air pollution in their districts; where
these powers originate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32068/15]
Under the Air Pollution Act 1987, local authorities have significant investigatory and
enforcement powers to tackle air pollution, including under section 16 of the Act which
provides that a local authority may serve a notice on the occupier of a premises,
requiring that occupier to furnish such particulars as may be specified in relation to:
- any activity or process being carried out on the premises;
- any fireplaces on the premises; and
- the fuels or other materials being burned on the premises.
In addition, section 26 of the Act empowers a local authority to serve a notice on the
occupier of any premises from which there is an emission. Such a notice may direct the
occupier to take such measures as the authority specifies in order to prevent or limit air
pollution. It is a matter for the local authority to exercise its judgment in any individual
case as to whether a nuisance is being caused, and what abatement action may be
required.
I am currently in the process of enhancing the powers of local authorities in this matter.
The recently enacted Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 provides for the
introduction of Fixed Payment Notices in respect of offences under regulations relating to
vehicle refinishing products, organic solvents and, in particular, solid fuels. I intend to
bring forward regulations to give full effect to these provisions in the near future.
1510. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the way
the EPA Air Quality Index is compiled in view of the fact that in some counties there are
no monitoring sites but despite this air quality ratings are provided for these counties;
and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32107/15]
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
1511. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the
number of mobile units deployed to monitor ambient air quality at any one time on
average detailing the omissions they are capable of detecting and recording; and if he
will make a statement on the matter. [32108/15]
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1510 and 1511 together.
Under the Clean Air for Europe Directive, also known as the CAFÉ Directive, for the
purpose of assessing and managing air quality, EU member states must designate
"Zones". The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the competent authority for the
implementation of the Directive in Ireland designated four zones which were originally
designated in the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2011. The zones were subsequently
amended on 1 January 2013 to take account of population counts from the 2011
Census.
The main areas defined in each Irish zone are:
- Zone A: Dublin
- Zone B: Cork
- Zone C: Other cities and large towns including Limerick, Galway, Waterford, Drogheda,
Dundalk, Bray, Navan, Ennis, Tralee, Kilkenny, Carlow, Naas, Sligo, Newbridge,
Mullingar, Wexford, Letterkenny, Athlone, Celbridge, Clonmel, Balbriggan, Greystones,
Leixlip and Portlaoise.
- Zone D: Rural Ireland, i.e. the remainder of the State excluding Zones A, B and C.
Upper and lower assessment thresholds are prescribed in the legislation for a number of
pollutants. Within each zone, air quality is assessed and classified with respect to these
thresholds, based on measurements over the previous five years. The results of this
assessment help to inform decisions on the extent of monitoring. The greatest
monitoring effort applies where concentrations are above the upper assessment
threshold, i.e. where they approach or exceed the limit value. Where concentrations are
between the two thresholds, less intensive measurement combined with other
assessment methods, such as air quality modelling, will generally suffice. Monitoring
sites are located in accordance with CAFÉ Directive requirements.
In relation to mobile monitoring, the EPA currently possesses three units. Two of these
units are used for assessment and reporting purposes in accordance with the Directive.
These are mainly used for assessing air quality in Zone C towns but on occasion have
been used in other zones as required. The units usually monitor for a period of 1 – 2
years at any one location before being re-assigned to a new location. The stations are
equipped with monitors for carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, sulphur dioxide and
particulate matter.
The monitoring units have been recently used in a number of locations including
Mullingar, Newbridge, Letterkenny and Shannon and are currently located in Portlaoise
and Enniscorthy. The assessment reports for monitored locations, including near realtime air quality information, are available on the EPA website.
In addition to the two monitoring units referred to above, the EPA has recently acquired
a third mobile monitoring unit for use in emergency air quality incidents.
136. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to
extend the smoky coal ban to other towns here in 2015; and if he will make a statement
on the matter. [32338/15]
Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) – Minister for the Environment, Community and Local
Government)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
The ban on the marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous fuel (or 'smoky coal ban'
as it is commonly known) was first introduced in Dublin in 1990 in response to severe
episodes of winter smog that resulted from the widespread use of smoky coal for
residential heating. The ban proved very effective in reducing particulate matter and
sulphur dioxide levels in Dublin. As well as bringing air quality levels into compliance
with the then EU standards, the ban also had the effect of significantly improving human
health in the capital. Research indicates that the ban in Dublin has resulted in over 350
fewer annual deaths. The ban was subsequently extended to other urban areas.
In August 2012, following a public consultation process, new solid fuel regulations were
introduced with the aim of ensuring that the smoky coal ban remains fit for purpose in
safeguarding air quality by limiting harmful emissions of air pollutants arising from the
use of certain residential solid fuels. The ban now applies in 26 urban areas nationwide,
including all towns with a population greater than 15,000 people, bringing the ban areas
broadly into line with national EPA air quality management zones. My Department keeps
the operation of the ban under regular review.
Air quality monitoring by the EPA has shown that air quality is poorer in towns where the
smoky coal ban does not apply, although there is evidence that smaller smoky coal ban
areas tend to be less effective. The further extension of the ban to smaller towns on an
individual basis may not be the most effective solution to addressing the problem of
emissions from residential solid fuel use in these areas. However, it is recognised that
having different regulations between urban and rural locations is not ideal, as it results
in different levels of environmental protection and clean air benefits for citizens in
different locations.
Under the auspices of the North South Ministerial Council, and in conjunction with the
Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland, my Department has commissioned
a study to inform a discussion on policy options to further address emissions from
residential solid fuel use on an all-island basis. The study includes- an assessment of the solid fuel market and barriers to the use of cleaner fuels;
- consideration of the role and impacts of biomass (primarily wood and wood-based
products) and the links to climate policy; and
- an economic analysis addressing the potential positive and negative effects on the
consumer, for example, resulting from potential fuel switching, the availability of
smokeless fuels to supply an all-island market and job creation opportunities in the
manufacture and supply of smokeless fuels.
A final report is expected to be presented to the North South Ministerial Council later this
year. However, it should also be noted that I plan to engage in further consultation on
the matter of clean air in the coming months, commencing with a 'Clean Air Conference'
hosted by my Department and the EPA in Dublin on 28 September, which will examine
and discuss current and future challenges for clean air policy.
137. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if his
Department has reduced funding to the Environmental Protection Agency since 2007; if
so, if he will provide an annual breakdown of the reduced funding; and if he will make a
statement on the matter. [32339/15]
Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) – Minister for the Environment, Community and Local
Government)
The financial allocations to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), comprising
funding from both the Exchequer and the Environment Fund, for the years specified is set
out in the table below. It should be noted that the figures do not include income
generated by the EPA itself from licensing fees, etc.
Funding to the Agency increased between 2007 and 2009, owing to the assignment of
additional functions to the Agency, such as monitoring and assessment under the Water
Framework Directive and increased funding for research and development during the
period.
Given the constraints on public funds in more recent times, funding for the Agency, akin
to most bodies, was reduced in the period from 2010 to 2013. Notwithstanding this, the
Agency continued to meet all critical national and international regulatory and other
obligations, through careful management and prioritisation of resources, for which the
Agency is to be commended.
The increase in funding in 2014 incorporated the funding hitherto provided separately to
the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) by my Department, which was then
provided to the EPA following the merger of both organisations with effect from 1 August
2014. The funding allocated to the EPA for 2015 is higher than the outturn in 2014,
reflecting the continued improvement in the national fiscal situation and the priority
accorded to the role of the Agency.
Environmental Protection Agency Funding 2007 – 2015 (€000)
-
Budget Outturn
2007
39,659
2008
51,143
2009
51,531
2010
44,068
2011
46,783
2012
41,453
2013
41,496
2014
44,478
2015
45,278 *
* allocation for 2015
Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, North East, Fianna Fail)
To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason the
Environmental Protection Agency feels it is not necessary to monitor for particulates at all 31
air monitoring stations given the proven negative effects they pose to health; his views with
this policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. 38898/15
245
To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will update Dáil
Éireann on the progress of the Environmental Protection Agency draft national ambient air
monitoring programme under Section 65 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 (as
amended), detailing the scope of the exercise, the start date, the likely completion date; and if he
will make a statement on the matter. 38899/15
246
To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason Ireland
is divided into four zones for the monitoring and assessment of ambient air quality; if this has
always been the case, how often it is reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the
matter. 38900/15
To protect our environment in regard to air quality, a number of EU Directives set out standards
for a wide variety of pollutants. The current standards are contained in the 2008 Clean Air for
Europe (CAFE) Directive (Directive 2008/50/EC) and the Fourth Daughter Directive (Directive
2004/107/EC of 15 December 2004). These Directives also include rules on how Member States
should monitor, assess and manage ambient air quality.
The EPA is tasked with co-ordinating and managing the monitoring programme. Under the
Directives, EU Member States must designate "Zones" for the purpose of managing air quality.
For Ireland, four zones were defined in the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2011. The zones in
place in Ireland in 2015 are Zone A: the Dublin conurbation, Zone B: the Cork conurbation,
Zone C: comprising 23 large towns in Ireland with a population of more than 15,000 and Zone
D: the remaining area of Ireland. Zones are amended primarily to take account of population
trends emerging from census results. The zones were last amended on 1 January 2013 to take
account of results from the 2011 CSO Census and to align with the coal restricted areas set out
in Regulations in 2012.
Ireland has a nationwide network of 31 monitoring stations which measure levels of air pollutants
in the four zones. This information is delivered to the public in near real-time at
www.airquality.epa.ie
The numbers and locations of the monitoring equipment for each pollutant, including particulate
matter (PM2.5 and PM10), are determined by the requirements of the Directives for ambient air
monitoring in each zone. Particulate matter is harmful to health and it is accepted among health
officials that exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 should be reduced. In cities, traffic emissions are the
main source of particulate matter while in smaller towns, emissions from domestic solid fuel
combustion are often the primary source. The air quality in cities benefits from the ban on smoky
coal, as well as the increased use of gas for residential heating. The monitoring of particulate
matter (PM2.5 and PM10) is carried out at a representative number of monitoring locations in each
of the four zones and meets the requirements of the CAFE Directive - it is not considered
necessary to monitor for particulates at all 31 stations.
In April 2013, the EPA launched Ireland’s new Air Quality Index for Health (AQIH). This web-based
index, developed in conjunction with the Health Service Executive and my Department (including
Met Eireann), displays the current air quality across Ireland, by means of a coloured scale of 1 –
10, divided into four bands (good, fair, poor and very poor) with health advice provided for each
band. The AQIH is calculated hourly and is represented on a colour-coded map of Ireland, from
which the public can easily assess information about current air quality in their area. The Air
Quality Index for Health can be viewed at www.airquality.epa.ie
.