Debate contribution: Clean Air Strategy: Urban Areas
Debate contribution by Mr Andrew Muir on .
- MLA
- Mr Andrew Muir
- Party at the time
- Alliance Party
- Date
- 28 September 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Clean Air Strategy: Urban Areas
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5762301
Read the official Assembly record
Text
The draft clean sir strategy sets out a range of measures that will improve air quality across Northern Ireland, including in urban areas such as South Belfast, where people can be more exposed to pollution from transport, domestic heating and other sources. The strategy is currently out for public consultation, and I encourage everyone with an interest to have their say. Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer, because of its strong focus on protecting public health, has welcomed the consultation. I was delighted that so many of our major health charities supported the consultation's launch. The draft strategy contains five strategic objectives, which are aimed at reducing harmful emissions; improving our evidence base; strengthening legislation; increasing public awareness; and supporting behavioural change. Each strategic objective has a set of practical actions attached, including, for example, consulting on limit values in order to make relevant legislative changes; achieving a fair and just transition for home heating; establishing a Northern Ireland clean air forum; increasing investment in active travel; and reviewing the local air quality management grant. Together, those measures will help deliver cleaner air for communities across Northern Ireland.
187 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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