AQW 23791/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 04/03/2025
Answered On Date: 26/03/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail any discussions he has had with the Minister for Infrastructure concerning actions to improve air quality near Finaghy Health Centre, given the significant rise in vehicular traffic at that location over recent years.

Answer:

I have not had discussions with the Minister for Infrastructure regarding actions to improve air quality near Finaghy Health Centre.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is the lead Department responsible for air quality policy and my officials continue to work closely with colleagues in relation to health outcomes.

Under The Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002, Local District Councils assess local air quality against air quality objectives. Where this assessment indicates that an air quality objective is unlikely to be met, the council must declare an air quality management area and prepare an Action Plan. DAERA, through the Local Air Quality Management grant, financially supports all district councils to carry out air quality reviews, assessments and to prepare and implement related action plans.