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 |