Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail any steps being taken to improve access to real-time local air quality monitoring and forecasts for (i) people with cystic fibrosis; and (ii) other vulnerable groups.
Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs: Real-time local air quality data and forecasts are available through the Northern Ireland Air website (https://www.airqualityni.co.uk) and a free text alert service is available for all members of the public, including people with cystic fibrosis and other vulnerable groups. The air quality information and alert services are designed to support all individuals who may be more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution.
DAERA continues to support the expansion of local air quality monitoring through the Local Air Quality Management grant scheme, funding new monitoring equipment and installation costs in full, which will improve the geographical coverage of real time air quality information to the public.
ENDS
