Northern Ireland air quality continues to improve

Air quality levels in Northern Ireland are continuing to improve, a Department of the Environment report revealed today.

The Northern Ireland Air Quality Monitoring Report, prepared by the Department in partnership with District Councils, provides details of air quality monitoring, summary of results, long term trends and information on progress being made by councils in managing local air quality.

Environment Minister, Edwin Poots said: "The link between air quality and health is well known. Clean air is essential for our health and well-being. By reducing air pollution, we can reduce illness and premature death.

“I welcome therefore, that overall, air quality continues to improve and is good for the vast majority of the time in Northern Ireland.

“My Department continues to support actions to improve local air quality. In 2008/09 £537,000 of funding was provided to District Councils under the Local Air Quality Management grant scheme.”

Monitoring occurred at 32 automated sites across Northern Ireland with only four sites within three district council areas reporting levels above our air quality monitoring standards.

Elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide were reported at monitoring sites in Belfast, Newtownabbey and Newry. Action plans to improve air quality in these areas are being formulated and implemented by the relevant councils under the provisions of the Environment (NI) Order 2002.

Notes to editors:

1. Results from all the air quality monitoring sites as well as further information on air quality monitoring and air quality management in Northern Ireland can be accessed from the Air Quality NI website.
2. Additional copies of the report can be obtained from the Department of the Environment, Planning and Environmental Policy Group, 23 Castle Place, Belfast BT1 1FY. It is also available online on the Air Quality NI website.
3. All media enquiries should be directed to DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours, please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.