Air quality in Northern Ireland is continuing to improve, according to the latest data. The Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland (DoE NI), together with local district councils, has put together the Northern Ireland Air Quality Report 2006, which shows details relating to air quality monitoring, long-term trends and air quality management information.
Monitoring took place at 41 automated sites across Northern Ireland and only two district councils reported exceedances. There were elevated levels of particulates and nitrogen dioxide at sites in Belfast and Newry, but no such increases were recorded at any other Government monitoring sites. Commenting on the report, Environment Minister Arlene Foster said, "The link between clean air and good health is well known. By reducing air pollution we can reduce illness and premature death. Clean air is essential to our well being. I am therefore pleased to report that the quality of our air in Northern Ireland has improved considerably over the last few decades and much has been achieved through tighter controls over emissions of harmful pollutants from industry, transport and domestic sectors."
The Government is continuing to fund the improvement of local air quality, and they have stressed the steps that individuals can take to help reduce air pollution, which include avoiding using the car for short journeys.
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