Green Party Environment Spokesperson, Cllr Malcolm Noonan, has voiced concerns over the failure to reach minimum targets set by the EU for Irish air quality.

The most recent report from the National Emissions Ceiling Directive (NECD) deals with years 2010-2012, and in all three years our air was found to contain dangerously high levels of Nitrogen Oxides, gases commonly produced in combustion engines and a key component in acid rain and smog.

Mr Noonan said: "Poor air quality takes years off people's lives. Recent estimates said as many as 3,400 people die prematurely in Ireland each year due to poor air quality, a rate twice the EU average, and it costs the economy as much as €6.3 billion annually. By continuing to burn fossil fuels for energy and jamming our streets with cars we’re doing huge damage to everyone’s lungs, in particular children and the elderly. As the economy begins to improve and commuter numbers and construction grow, this is a problem that will only get worse.

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"So, how do we fix it? Firstly, the government need to ramp up investment in public transport plans and take the sort of decisions suggested by Dublin City council this week to promote cleaner and healthier travel alternatives. A significant increase in funding is needed for local authorities to initiate smarter travel projects and achieve the modal share targets set down in Transport 2020: A Sustainable Transport Future. Research carried out in the US shows that heart attack survivors who live less than 100 meters from a major road have a 27% increased risk of dying over 10 years than those living at least 1,000 meters away, and research published in The Lancet medical journal states that living near a busy road can increase the risk of death by as much as 7% due to air pollution.

"Secondly, we must redouble our efforts to make the transition to a clean energy system. Burning fossil fuels isn't just bad for the climate, it also pollutes the air we breathe at a local level. In completing his cost-benefit analysis of the merits of renewable power, Minister Rabbitte and his department must account for any poisonous gases removed from the Irish atmosphere and the positive benefit for public health."

(CD)