Consultation on the National Air Pollution Control Programme (NAPCP)

We are updating the National Air Pollution Control Programme (NAPCP), and are looking for views on the updated draft.

The NAPCP is a technical document which outlines the pathway Ireland will follow to achieve compliance with commitments under the National Emissions Ceiling Directive. The Programme includes:

• An overview of sectors and national policy frameworks in Ireland that impact on emissions of the 5 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

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 NAPCP is intended to show the pathway Ireland will follow to achieve compliance with the NEC 2020 and 2030 targets. 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.

We are asking for views on the draft NAPCP, and for any additional analysis or evidence that could be considered. Results of the consultation will be included in the final NAPCP. We will include a summary of the outcomes of the consultation, with respect to the selection of measures and the consideration of the most suitable instruments and actions to implement the selected measures.

The closing date for submissions is 5.30pm on Friday 9 February 2024

Submissions should be sent by email to: airquality@decc.gov.ie or by post to:

Consultation on the National Air Pollution Control Programme (NAPCP)

Air Quality Division

Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

Newtown Road

Wexford

Y35 AP90

We are committed to engaging with stakeholders in a clear, open and transparent manner. Any person or organisation can make a submission in relation to this consultation. We will consider all submissions and feedback before we publish the final versions of the National Air Pollution Control Programme.

Your response to this consultation is subject to:

• the Freedom of Information Act 2014 (FOI)
• the Access to Information on the Environment Regulations 2007-2018 (AIE)
• the Data Protection Act 2018

Publishing of responses

We intend to publish the contents of all submissions received to our consultations on our website. We will redact (remove) personal data before publication.

Please indicate any sensitive information

In responding to this consultation, clearly indicate where your response contains any information which you would not wish to be released under FOI, AIE or otherwise published. This can include:

• personal information
• commercially sensitive information
• confidential information

Read our Data Privacy Notice

We would like to draw your attention to our Data Privacy Notice which explains:

• how and when we collect personal data
• why we do so
• how we treat this information
• your rights in relation to the collection of personal information
• how you can exercise those rights