Margaret Roddy at Louth County Councilx meeting

AIR QUALITY A CONCERN

GREEN party councillor Mark Dearey has asked for an up to date report from the Environmental Protection Agency on what it is doing in relation to monitoring and improving air quality in Dundalk and Drogheda.

He noted at Louth County Council’s recent monthly meeting that the EPA had reported that according to the World Health Organisation there are 1,200 deaths in Ireland annually due to poor air quality.

This was a issue of particular importance as cold winter weather was approaching.

He also drew attention to the Manager’s report which stated that two cases under the Air Pollution Act 1987 (marketing sale distribution and burning of specified fuels) Regulations 2016 had been referred for legal action.

He said he would like to see expanded notes regarded air quality issues as he was ‘a bit confused about what the EPA do’.

It seemed to him to be seven years since the EPA had produced figures for air quality in the county.

‘What are they doing to protect us,’ he asked.

And he wanted information regarding the wider issue regarding the use of coal and whether smoky coal was being burned in Dundalk.

Senior Engineer Mr Pat Finn told him that the council carries out checks regarding smoky in Dundalk and Drogheda.

He undertook to provide an update on the EPA and its role at a future meeting.

Cllr Dearey also queried a report of two incidents of the residue of diesel laundering being dumped since September which had cost the council approximately €12,000 to clean up and dispose of.

He wanted to know if the residue contained what he called ‘ historical’ markers or if they had the new biological markers?

Mr Finn replied that the Council’s role in dealing with diesel laundering was limited to ensured that it was disposed off in accordance with the legislation.

‘ The issue of markers is for the Customs and Excise,’ he said, adding that they work in close contact with them.