Green Party Environment Spokesperson, Cllr Malcolm Noonan, has voiced concerns over the failure to reach minimum targets set by the EU for Irish air quality.
The most recent report from the National Emissions Ceiling Directive (NECD) deals with years 2010-2012, and in all three years our air was found to contain dangerously high levels of Nitrogen Oxides, gases commonly produced in combustion engines and a key component in acid rain and smog.
Mr Noonan said: "Poor air quality takes years off people's lives. Recent estimates said as many as 3,400 people die prematurely in Ireland each year due to poor air quality, a rate twice the EU average, and it costs the economy as much as €6.3 billion annually. By continuing to burn fossil fuels for energy and jamming our streets with cars we’re doing huge damage to everyone’s lungs, in particular children and the elderly. As the economy begins to improve and commuter numbers and construction grow, this is a problem that will only get worse.
"So, how do we fix it? Firstly, the government need to ramp up investment in public transport plans and take the sort of decisions suggested by Dublin City council this week to promote cleaner and healthier travel alternatives. A significant increase in funding is needed for local authorities to initiate smarter travel projects and achieve the modal share targets set down in Transport 2020: A Sustainable Transport Future. Research carried out in the US shows that heart attack survivors who live less than 100 meters from a major road have a 27% increased risk of dying over 10 years than those living at least 1,000 meters away, and research published in The Lancet medical journal states that living near a busy road can increase the risk of death by as much as 7% due to air pollution.
"Secondly, we must redouble our efforts to make the transition to a clean energy system. Burning fossil fuels isn't just bad for the climate, it also pollutes the air we breathe at a local level. In completing his cost-benefit analysis of the merits of renewable power, Minister Rabbitte and his department must account for any poisonous gases removed from the Irish atmosphere and the positive benefit for public health."
(CD)
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Latest Construction News
15/11/2024
An emergency road closure has been announced following serious structural integrity concerns of the former Antrim Arms Hotel building on Castle Street in Ballycastle. Following genuine fears surrounding the safety of the building's structure, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council have ...
15/11/2024
A pre-design public consultation for the Dublin-based College Green - Dame Street Public Realm Project has been launched. The proposal to remodel College Green and Dame Street is a joint initiative by Dublin City Council and the National Transport Authority. The project aims to transform Dublin's ...
15/11/2024
A new plan which aims to fill vacant homes and revitalise derelict buildings has been proposed by Ireland's Green Party. The Dereliction and Building Regeneration Bill put forward by the party aims to establish a single permitting system for fire, accessibility and planning in a one-stop-shop for ...
15/11/2024
Works will begin next week to provide a more reliable water supply in County Kildare, Uisce Éireann has announced. The improvements, which will take place in Allenwood, will also target the reduction of high levels of leakage. GMC Utilities Group are carrying out the works on behalf of Uisce ...
15/11/2024
Essential wastewater improvements being made to the North Street area in Carrickfergus are set to be completed on Friday, November 22, NI Water has announced. Further works will recommence to the area on January 6, after the busy Christmas period. The work is part of a major investment to improve ...
15/11/2024
A forthcoming road closure in Wicklow has been announced by the County Council ahead of essential roadworks which are suspected to last a week. The closure will impact the L-69052 road in Arklow and will take place on the junction of the L2901, Laffin's Lane and The Brook, from Monday, November ...
14/11/2024
A L'Derry park was visited by the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs yesterday following the completion of extensive works. Manor Park in Moneymore welcomed Minister Andrew Muir MLA, who made the trip to see the result of extensive works which totalled £260,000. The ...
14/11/2024
A Railway Order planning application will be made by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) regarding the major Luas Finglas project. The application will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála on Monday, November 18, while the public can make submissions about the proposed light rail line from November ...
14/11/2024
A new €8.8 million social housing scheme officially launched in County Louth recently. The Ferrard Park development in Drogheda contains 28 new houses which were acquired by Louth County Council from CFS Homes for tenants from the council's social housing waiting list. The houses, which include a ...
14/11/2024
A number of projects across Wicklow aimed at addressing the negative impacts of climate change have received a significant cash boost. Wicklow County Council and The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications announced an allocation of €675,574.33 to 20 community groups across the ...