the publication of an EV-charging Infrastructure strategy. The natural environment and resource management is a key focal point, with nature based solutions such as the implementation of our Trees strategy, the enhancement of our biodiversity, and the promotion of a circular economy.
The EPA’s (2023) Air Quality in Ireland 2022 identifies that:
• Air quality in Ireland is generally good however there are concerning localised issues; • Fine particulate matter (PM22) from solid fuel combustion and Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from vehicle t emissions are the main pollutants; • People’s health and the health of our environment is impacted by these pollutants: and • Ireland’s ambition in the Clean Air Strategy is to move towards the World Health Organisation (WHO) Air Quality guidelines, this will be challenged but will have a significantly positive impact on health.
With regard to solutions, the report identifies that:
Better insulated homes;
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• Better alternatives to solid fuel combustion; • Public and active transport; • Electric vehicles.
In order to comply with European Directives relating to air quality, the EPA manages the National Ambient Air Quality Network and measures the levels of a number of atmospheric pollutants at locations across the country. The current 1 air quality within the City is identified by the EPA as being good. 3.6 Material Assets Other material assets, in addition to those referred to below, covered by the SEA include archaeological and architectural heritage (see Section 4.12 in the CCDP 2022-2028 SEA ER) natural resources of economic value, such as water and air (see Sections 4.9 and 4.10 in the CCDP 2022-2028 SEA ER).
Public Assets and Infrastructure
Public assets and infrastructure that have the potential to be impacted upon by the Plan, if unmitigated, include; settlements; resources such as public open spaces, parks and recreational areas; public buildings and services; transport and utility infrastructure (electricity, gas, telecommunications, water supply, wastewater infrastructure etc.); forestry; and natural resources that are covered under other topics such as water and soil.
Waste Water The EPA’s 2023 report ‘Urban Wastewater Treatment in 2022 2 ’ identified that:
• Wastewater treatment at 15 towns and cities (including Cork City) did not meet European standards for the treatment of urban wastewater in 2022; • Waste water from 36 areas, including Cork City, was identified as the main significant source of pollution impacting the local waters and therefore, in the absence of other pressures, the health
12 Accessed 6/03/2024 Home | AirQuality.ie
2 Urban Waste Water Treatment in 2022 Report (epa.ie)
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