Public Consultation on the National Air Pollution Control Programme (NAPCP)

The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) is updating the National Air Pollution Control Programme (NAPCP). The NAPCP is a technical document which outlines the pathway Ireland will follow to achieve compliance with its commitments under the National Emission Ceilings Directive (NEC Directive).

The National Emissions Ceilings Directive (NEC Directive) establishes emission ceilings for 2020 and 2030 for five specified pollutants: nitrogen oxides (NOx), non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), sulphur dioxide (SO2), ammonia (NH3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). It also mandates the development of a National Air Pollution Control Programme (NAPCP) for each Member State. The format of the NAPCP is set down by the European Commission in implementing decision (EU) 2018/1522, which was adopted on 11 October 2018.

The National Air Pollution Control Programme includes:

• An overview of sectors and national policy frameworks in Ireland that impact on emissions of the five NEC pollutants
• An overview of the current outlook for compliance with NEC targets for each pollutant
• Projections of relevant pollutant emissions to 2030
• Policy options, measures and actions across sectors but in particular in the residential, transport agricultural and energy sectors aimed at reducing emissions of the five specified air pollutants

Relevant stakeholders were invited to submit their views on the draft NAPCP and any additional analysis or evidence that could be considered. The closing date for submissions was 5.30pm on Friday 22 January 2021.

All submissions received were reviewed and considered in the completion of the final version of the NAPCP which is available here

A summary of the submissions received has been prepared.