South and East Belfast Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Sinn Féin express concern at air pollution levels in East Belfast

Published: 22 April, 2008

Sinn Féin's East Belfast Representative Niall Ó Donnghaile has expressed concern at the high levels of air pollution at the junction of the Short Strand, Albertbridge and Ravenhill Roads.

"Belfast City Council's Air Quality Action Plan confirms that this junction has been declared for predicted exceedences of nitrogen dioxide. This is of particular concern given that this junction is particularly close to family homes in the Short Strand. Another factor taken into account is the levels of gases eminating from within the Translink Bus Depot in the Short Strand area."

"I have been in contact with the Council's Health and Environmental Services Department as well as Translink themselves to find out what measures they can implement to monitor the levels of fumes emanating from the bus depot and what effect these fumes may be having on local residents."

"The depot is of particular concern given its immediate proximity to vast amounts of homes within the community. The main effect of breathing in raised levels of nitrogen dioxide is the increased likelihood of respiratory problems. Nitrogen dioxide inflames the lining of the lungs, and it can reduce immunity to lung infections. This can cause problems such as wheezing, coughing, colds, flu and bronchitis. Increased levels of nitrogen dioxide can have significant impacts on people with asthma because it can cause more frequent and more intense attacks. Children with asthma and older people with heart disease are most at risk."
"I will continue to meet with the City Council on this issue as well as lobbying the Environment, Health and Regional Development Ministers on the adverse effects that the depot and the volume of traffic may be having on people living in the area."