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17/06/2022
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".
Cllr Malachai O'Hara said: "The World Health Organisation and the UK Government recognise that air pollution is the largest environmental health risk we face today.
"Poor air quality causes heart and lung disease, is linked to low birth weight and children’s lung development and may even contribute to mental health issues. Over one in twenty fours deaths in Belfast are attributable to dirty air and despite the scale of the problem, there has been little to no movement from the Executive parties on this issue.
"We must respond to air pollution with the same urgency shown around Covid-19. We know that legal air pollution limits are breached on a regular basis across Belfast. My work at Council means that we are conducting our first detailed assessment of dirty air since 2010 and this will report later this year. I am anxious about the results as I fully expect they will show just how dirty our air is in the City. While we can make some progress at City Council, we are dependent on the Executive parties bringing forward a Clean Air strategy. This strategy should ban polluting fuels, provide enabling legislation for clean air zones in towns and cities and enhance sustainable transport so that people can get out of their cars.
"We must adopt the WHO's legal air pollution limits as a matter of urgency as part of a Clean Air Strategy for Northern Ireland. This will save countless lives. Let’s recognise the air pollution problem on Clean Air Day and commit ourselves to working for happier, healthier communities across Northern Ireland."
Green party Deputy leader Mal O'Hara made the comments as he marked "another Clean Air day without a Clean Air Strategy".
Cllr Malachai O'Hara said: "The World Health Organisation and the UK Government recognise that air pollution is the largest environmental health risk we face today.
"Poor air quality causes heart and lung disease, is linked to low birth weight and children’s lung development and may even contribute to mental health issues. Over one in twenty fours deaths in Belfast are attributable to dirty air and despite the scale of the problem, there has been little to no movement from the Executive parties on this issue.
"We must respond to air pollution with the same urgency shown around Covid-19. We know that legal air pollution limits are breached on a regular basis across Belfast. My work at Council means that we are conducting our first detailed assessment of dirty air since 2010 and this will report later this year. I am anxious about the results as I fully expect they will show just how dirty our air is in the City. While we can make some progress at City Council, we are dependent on the Executive parties bringing forward a Clean Air strategy. This strategy should ban polluting fuels, provide enabling legislation for clean air zones in towns and cities and enhance sustainable transport so that people can get out of their cars.
"We must adopt the WHO's legal air pollution limits as a matter of urgency as part of a Clean Air Strategy for Northern Ireland. This will save countless lives. Let’s recognise the air pollution problem on Clean Air Day and commit ourselves to working for happier, healthier communities across Northern Ireland."
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Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
