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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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14 December 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.
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23 February 2006
UCF launch National Clean Air Awards for NI
The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) has today launched the National Clean Air Awards for Northern Ireland, in partnership with the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. Established by the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, the UK-wide scheme recognises and rewards employers who have implemented effective smoke-free policies.
UCF launch National Clean Air Awards for NI
The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) has today launched the National Clean Air Awards for Northern Ireland, in partnership with the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. Established by the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, the UK-wide scheme recognises and rewards employers who have implemented effective smoke-free policies.
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.
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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
