AQW 271/22-27

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 20/05/2022
Answered On Date: 09/06/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on the Clean Air Strategy for Northern Ireland.

Answer:

Work is progressing well in the development of Northern Ireland’s first Clean Air Strategy and the Department intends to publish the synopsis of consultation responses to the Clean Air Strategy Discussion Document in the coming weeks.

I have considered the findings of the consultation, along with potential actions and recommendations, and have instructed officials to begin cross-Departmental discussions, with the key Departments which have the remit to deliver the necessary air quality improvements. These are, the Department for Economy, in relation to energy and domestic heating, and the Department for Infrastructure, in relation to transport emissions and active travel. Other Departments may need to be involved depending on the final scope of the strategy.

Following cross departmental engagement, officials will then draft the Clean Air Strategy for Northern Ireland in preparation for the new Executive. This draft Clean Air Strategy will be subject to an additional public consultation, and due to the cross-cutting nature of the policy, Executive approval will also be sought at that time. It is hoped that this consultation will launch later in 2022.