To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail any (i) legislation; and (ii) policy documents, relating to the regulation of air quality.

Northern Ireland’s air quality framework is supported by a comprehensive suite of legislation and policy measures aimed at protecting human health and the environment. The Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 places a duty on DAERA to publish an Air Quality Strategy. This requirement is currently met through the UK Air Quality Strategy 2007, while work is ongoing to develop a bespoke Northern Ireland Clean Air Strategy.

Air quality assessment and compliance are governed by the Air Quality Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 supported by Local Air Quality Management Technical Guidance (TG22). These are complemented by the Air Quality Standards Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010, which establish pollutant limits, targets and monitoring obligations.

Additional controls on emissions are provided through the Clean Air (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 and the Sulphur Content of Solid Fuel Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998. Further regulatory support is delivered by the Environmental Better Regulation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016. In addition, councils have powers under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 to address smoke, fumes and gases considered harmful to health or constitute a statutory nuisance.

At a UK wide level, the National Emission Ceilings Regulations 2018 establish legally binding emission reduction commitments, to which Northern Ireland contributes.

This is not an exhaustive list. Further information on legislation and policy relating to air quality regulation in Northern Ireland is available at the following links:https://www.airqualityni.co.uk/air-quality/legislation

https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/air-quality-monitoring-policy-and-legislation