Foreword

The link between clean air and good health is well-known. High levels of air pollution can help to make people ill and it can contribute to the premature death of those already seriously ill. Clean air is therefore essential to the health and well-being of us all.

Implementing the Air Quality Strategy is a vital part of the Department of the Environment’s commitment to improving air quality. Local air quality management is central to the Strategy. Legislation will soon be introduced to enable Government Departments, District Councils and stakeholders to deliver their contribution to meeting air quality targets and objectives. In meeting these targets and objectives, we will also be fulfilling our commitment to 'Investing for Health', to reduce the levels of respiratory and heart disease.

The Department has been most encouraged by the work already carried out by District Councils. All 26 Councils have completed the first stage of the review and assessment of air quality within their respective areas and are currently working to complete stage 2. Funding has been provided by the Department to assist Councils in this review and assessment process.

This Report provides a comprehensive view of air quality in Northern Ireland in 2000 and 2001. It has been drawn up in partnership with the Chief Environmental Health Officers Group (CEHOG). CEHOG has welcomed the publication of this report and is pleased to have been involved in this important partnership in collating and providing air quality monitoring data from District Council sites.

Since air quality is so important to our own health and our environment, we intend to publish annual Reports. We look forward to strengthening our close working relationship with CEHOG.

The Report will be an invaluable reference point. Readers will be able to assess compliance with air quality standards and air quality trends over time.

We commend this Report to you and would welcome any comments you may have.

Richard Rogers

Chief Executive Environment and Heritage Service

John Michael

Chairman of the Chief Environmental Health Officers Group