Muir launches consultation on draft Northern Ireland Clean Air Strategy

Date published: 1 September 2026

The draft Clean Air Strategy for Northern Ireland sets out an ambition to improve air quality by 2032 through five strategic objectives and a comprehensive programme of actions, including upgraded monitoring, annual awareness campaigns, transport planning and tighter fuel and appliance standards.

Together, the proposed measures will support a healthier population, more resilient natural environments, and cleaner communities. The strategy aims to ensure that by 2032, Northern Ireland has stronger air quality protections, greater public understanding of air pollution, and the foundations for continued long‑term improvement.

Launching the consultation, Minister Muir said: “The air we breathe is vital to our health and that of our environment.

“There is no ‘safe’ level of air pollution and sadly, hundreds of deaths in Northern Ireland can be attributed to long-term exposure to poor air quality. Cleaner air must be a public health priority, and we cannot ignore the risks, particularly to children and older people.

“The draft Clean Air Strategy sets my commitment to cleaner air for all. To fulfil that ambition, we must take a holistic approach, working across government, councils and civic society. Many of the solutions to air pollution are intertwined with the actions we take for nature and our climate, delivering huge benefits from cleaner energy to a more active and healthier population.”

Welcoming the consultation, Northern Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Michael McBride said: “Air pollution affects us all and is everyone’s business. The environment in which we live, and the air that we breathe, has a direct impact on our mental and physical health.

“Poor air quality is the greatest environmental risk to public health in the UK, with long-term exposure to air pollution causing chronic conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory disease, and lung cancer, leading to reduced life expectancy.

“This impact is disproportionally felt by underserved populations, deepening and widening the unjust health inequalities that exist in Northern Ireland. I am delighted that this consultation recognised this as a key health concern and seeks views on the best way to address this issue and improve environmental and health outcomes.”

Prof McBride concluded: “I would encourage everyone to consider and respond to the consultation, and for us all to play our part in making Northern Ireland a better and healthier place to live.” 

Joseph Carter, Chair of Healthy Air Northern Ireland and Head of Asthma + Lung UK Northern Ireland said: “Air pollution is the second biggest cause of lung disease, following smoking. It is the biggest environmental threat to health. At a cost of up to £50billion to the UK economy, air pollution is draining our resources, straining our health system and cutting short 900 lives a year in Northern Ireland. It is a public health crisis.

“Lung health in Northern Ireland is one of the poorest in Europe. High levels of air pollution can cause asthma attacks that can lead to hospitalisation. It causes new lung conditions and worsens existing ones like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

“This strategy represents a crucial step forward in bringing Northern Ireland in line with other UK nations and the Republic of Ireland. It will provide a cross-departmental vision to tackle air pollution, helping to protect our communities and saving lives.”

The consultation on the draft Clean Air Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2032 is open for eight weeks and closes on 27 October 2026.