COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEASSOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

HEADED ITEM NO. 26

Environmental Services

2.4.26 Policy ES17: Air Quality

Amend Section 2.4.25 to read as follows (additional text in bold):

‘2.4.25 Air Quality

Air quality is an important issue in considerations regarding the urban environment. Poor air quality is linked to a range of health problems and there is a statutory obligation to ensure that the concentration of air pollutants is lower than the limits specified in European and National legislation.

 

The Council advocates that the Polluter Pays Principle is maintained and adhered to and accordingly will have regard to the Local Government (Planning and Development) General Policy Directive 1988 (or as may be amended from time to time) issued by the Minister for the Environment relating to air quality standards nationally. The Council will also have regard to the Dublin Regional Air Quality Management Plan and such other relevant legislation as may be enacted when considering planning applications.

 

It is an objective of the Council to protect people from the harmful health effects associated with air pollution, to preserve good air quality where it exists and to improve it where it is unsatisfactory. The Council will also seek to establish specific monitoring stations in conjunction with the EPA to achieve compliance with Air Quality Standards Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 271 of 2002).

 

In considering applications for planning permissions the Council will have regard to the Local Government (Planning and Development) General Policy Directive 1988 relating to air quality standards nationally, and to the Air Quality Management Plan for the Dublin Region (1999), and such other relevant legislation as may be enacted.

South Dublin County Council has recently adopted the Air Quality Management Plan for the Dublin Region 2009-2012 under the provisions of the Air Pollution Act 1987.  This plan is primarily directed at protecting the valuable asset of good air quality in this county and the region, and ensuring that adverse air quality does not impact on the most vulnerable of the population whether their vulnerability is due to occupation, age, existing health conditions or other factors. 

 

In conjunction with the EPA and the other Dublin local authorities the main air pollutants to be measured and monitored during the lifetime of this  Air Quality Management Plan are smoke and particulate matter, Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2),  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Lead and Benzene.’

 

Reason

In order to respond to comments by the EPA and to reflect the provisions of the Air Quality Management Plan for the Dublin Region, 2009-2012 which has recently been adopted by the four Dublin local authorities.

Recommendation

That the amendment be adopted.