1 December 2006
NEW REPORT ON NORTHERN IRELAND AIR QUALITY
A new report shows air quality is good for the vast majority of the time in Northern Ireland.
The Northern Ireland Air Quality Report 2005 has been prepared by the Department of the Environment (DOE) in partnership with District Councils. It provides details of air quality monitoring undertaken, summary of results, long term trends and information on progress being made by District Councils in implementing local air quality management.
Environment Minister, David Cairns said: "The link between clean air and good health is well known. By reducing air pollution, we can reduce illness and premature death. Clean air is essential to our health and well-being.
"I am pleased to report that air quality is good for the vast majority of the time in Northern Ireland.
"My Department continues to support District Councils in improving local air quality. In 2005/06, Councils received £375k of funding under the EU Building Sustainable Prosperity scheme to support air quality duties," Mr Cairns said.
Results from all the air quality monitoring sites in Northern Ireland can be obtained from a dedicated air quality web site www.airqualityni.co.uk.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- In 2005, Northern Ireland was required to meet Air Quality Strategy objectives for carbon monoxide, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, lead, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter.
- Monitoring occurred at 39 automated sites across Northern Ireland with only 3 district council sites reporting exceedences. No exceedences were recorded at government monitoring sites. Elevated levels of particulates were reported at a monitoring site in Ballymoney and elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide reported at a site in Belfast and in Londonderry. Action plans to improve air quality in these areas are being developed by the relevant councils under the provisions of the Environment (NI) Order 2002.
- Additional copies of the report can be obtained from DOE, Environmental Policy Division, 20-24 Donegall Street, Belfast BT1 2GP and at www.doeni.gov.uk
- Further information on air quality monitoring and air quality management in Northern Ireland can be accessed from www.airqualityni.co.uk
- Further News Media contact DOE Press Office Tel: 028 9054 0003.
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