The report, prepared by the Department of the Environment 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 implementing local air quality management.
Welcoming the report, Environment Minister Arlene Foster 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 therefore pleased to report that the quality of our air in Northern Ireland has improved considerably over the last few decades, and much has been achieved through implementation of tighter controls over emissions of harmful pollutants from industry, transport and domestic sectors.
“My Department continues to support District Councils in improving local air quality. In 2006/07 £442,000 of funding was provided for air quality under the EU Building Sustainable Prosperity scheme.”
Monitoring occurred at 41 automated sites across Northern Ireland with only two district council sites reporting exceedances. No exceedances were recorded at government monitoring sites.
Elevated levels of particulates and nitrogen dioxide were reported at monitoring sites in Belfast and Newry. Action plans to improve air quality in these areas are being implemented by the relevant councils under the provisions of the Environment (NI) Order 2002.
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:
- Additional copies of the report can be obtained from DOE, Planning and Environmental Policy Group, 20-24 Donegall Street, Belfast BT1 2GP Tel: 028 9054 4565. The report is also available in electronic format 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
- For further media enquiries contact DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
