A Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland (DoE NI) report has shown that air quality in Northern Ireland is continuing to improve, despite some localised problems caused by domestic and vehicle emissions. The report compares 2005 data from the Province's network of 39 monitoring stations with air quality strategy objectives for key pollutants, such as particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. However, two sites in Belfast and Londonderry failed to meet these objectives for nitrogen oxide, and a further site in Ballymoney failed to meet them for particulates.
District Councils have declared a total of 22 air quality management areas and are currently developing action plans for them to reduce pollution. Once completed, these plans will be made available on the Northern Ireland Air Quality website, www.airqualityni.co.uk.
