Menu
14/12/2018
Green Party Calls For Urgent Action To Address Air Pollution Crisis
The Green Party has called for emergency action to address air pollution in Northern Ireland, after a government report highlighted that certain areas with high levels of nitrogen dioxide are in breach of industry standards.
The levels exceeded the guidance of the Air Quality Standards (AQS) at the Belfast, Downpatrick and Dungiven testing sites, which are all located in close proximity to busy roads, including Belfast's Stockman's Lane.
Claire Bailey MLA emphasised the seriousness of the issue, following the report by the Department of Environment, as published on Thursday 13 December.
She said: "Everyone has the right to breathe clean, fresh air. The effects of dirty air cause most damage to the health of our most vulnerable – young children, older people and those with pre existing health conditions.
"We know that on average, 550 people in Northern Ireland die from respiratory conditions linked to air pollution each year. The worrying levels of nitrogen dioxide at these monitoring sites show the scale of the air pollution problem."
The Green Party leader added: "The Belfast testing site is at Stockman's Lane which I know well as a South Belfast MLA. It's of no surprise that this busy route is an air pollution hot spot. A huge volume of cars and lorries use this road to come into and out of the city.
"We need urgent action to tackle air pollution through the provision of sustainable public transport and the promotion of active travel."
The report did highlight that Northern Ireland's air quality had improved significantly in recent decades, particularly in relation to the concentration of sulphur dioxide, which is a pollutant associated with coal and oil combustion.
The use of that particular substance has declined considerably over the past 20 years.
The new Rapid Transit system running from east to west Belfast, the Regional Strategic plan for Network Transport and the Active School programme for travel in Northern Ireland, which promotes cycling and walking to school, are all initiatives which are expected to reduce the levels of air pollution in the coming years.
Despite such developments, the problem is continuing to grow in the region, according to Mrs Bailey.
"This report shows that the air pollution problem persists across Northern Ireland. Citizens have a right to breathe clean, fresh air and be empowered to make sustainable and active travel choices.
"Green politicians in Government at all levels can grasp the mettle, taking the urgent action needed to address the air pollution problem across our towns and cities."
(JG)
The levels exceeded the guidance of the Air Quality Standards (AQS) at the Belfast, Downpatrick and Dungiven testing sites, which are all located in close proximity to busy roads, including Belfast's Stockman's Lane.
Claire Bailey MLA emphasised the seriousness of the issue, following the report by the Department of Environment, as published on Thursday 13 December.
She said: "Everyone has the right to breathe clean, fresh air. The effects of dirty air cause most damage to the health of our most vulnerable – young children, older people and those with pre existing health conditions.
"We know that on average, 550 people in Northern Ireland die from respiratory conditions linked to air pollution each year. The worrying levels of nitrogen dioxide at these monitoring sites show the scale of the air pollution problem."
The Green Party leader added: "The Belfast testing site is at Stockman's Lane which I know well as a South Belfast MLA. It's of no surprise that this busy route is an air pollution hot spot. A huge volume of cars and lorries use this road to come into and out of the city.
"We need urgent action to tackle air pollution through the provision of sustainable public transport and the promotion of active travel."
The report did highlight that Northern Ireland's air quality had improved significantly in recent decades, particularly in relation to the concentration of sulphur dioxide, which is a pollutant associated with coal and oil combustion.
The use of that particular substance has declined considerably over the past 20 years.
The new Rapid Transit system running from east to west Belfast, the Regional Strategic plan for Network Transport and the Active School programme for travel in Northern Ireland, which promotes cycling and walking to school, are all initiatives which are expected to reduce the levels of air pollution in the coming years.
Despite such developments, the problem is continuing to grow in the region, according to Mrs Bailey.
"This report shows that the air pollution problem persists across Northern Ireland. Citizens have a right to breathe clean, fresh air and be empowered to make sustainable and active travel choices.
"Green politicians in Government at all levels can grasp the mettle, taking the urgent action needed to address the air pollution problem across our towns and cities."
(JG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 June 2022
Lack Of Clean Air Strategy A 'Dereliction Of Duty'
Executive Parties have been accused of a "dereliction of duty" for failing to bring forward a Clean Air Strategy for Northern Ireland. Green party Deputy leader Mal O'Hara made the comments as he marked "another Clean Air day without a Clean Air Strategy".
Lack Of Clean Air Strategy A 'Dereliction Of Duty'
Executive Parties have been accused of a "dereliction of duty" for failing to bring forward a Clean Air Strategy for Northern Ireland. Green party Deputy leader Mal O'Hara made the comments as he marked "another Clean Air day without a Clean Air Strategy".
26 November 2020
NI's First Ever Clean Air Strategy Launched
With some 800 deaths per year associated with air pollution, Northern Ireland's first ever Clean Air Strategy has been launched by Environment Minister Edwin Poots.
NI's First Ever Clean Air Strategy Launched
With some 800 deaths per year associated with air pollution, Northern Ireland's first ever Clean Air Strategy has been launched by Environment Minister Edwin Poots.
28 September 2021
Air Pollution Alert System Improved
Northern Ireland's High Air Pollution Alert Protocol is to be changed in order to improve how the public are informed when periods of high air pollution are forecast or being experienced.
Air Pollution Alert System Improved
Northern Ireland's High Air Pollution Alert Protocol is to be changed in order to improve how the public are informed when periods of high air pollution are forecast or being experienced.
06 December 2013
Air Pollution Text Service Launched
A new service has been launched that will enable air pollution updates to be sent by text message. Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has launched Air Aware, aimed at people who have existing chronic health conditions such as asthma or heart disease, so they can choose to limit their time outdoors or avoid strenuous outdoor exercise.
Air Pollution Text Service Launched
A new service has been launched that will enable air pollution updates to be sent by text message. Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has launched Air Aware, aimed at people who have existing chronic health conditions such as asthma or heart disease, so they can choose to limit their time outdoors or avoid strenuous outdoor exercise.
30 April 2019
Extent Of NI's Air Pollution Problem Uncovered
The Green Party has warned that polluted and poisonous air across areas of Northern Ireland is contributing to illness and early death. An investigation by party activist groups across the Belfast and Ards & North Down areas found that dangerously high levels of nitrogen dioxide (N02) were in the air- with levels breaching legal limits at 29 sites.
Extent Of NI's Air Pollution Problem Uncovered
The Green Party has warned that polluted and poisonous air across areas of Northern Ireland is contributing to illness and early death. An investigation by party activist groups across the Belfast and Ards & North Down areas found that dangerously high levels of nitrogen dioxide (N02) were in the air- with levels breaching legal limits at 29 sites.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
