04/09/2026
ALLIANCE CLLR JILL TRUESDALE WELCOMES PROGRESS ON TWO MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES
The first of the two major initiatives was the response to DAERAโs consultation on tightening PM10 and PM2.5 air quality standards
Jill said, โThe approval of this response came on the same day as a Low Carbon Emission study (ULEZ) in London showing children with increased lung growth catch up in the four years of the study.
'The study followed more than 3,400 primary school children in London and Luton and provides what scientists believe is the strongest evidence yet that local clean air zones could help reduce some of the harm caused by pollution during childhood.โ
'Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) is well-established as harmful to human health, PM2.5 in particular can enter the bloodstream and raise cardiovascular/stroke risk. One in six people in the NMANDD district live with these conditions. Across Northern Ireland, approximately 136,000 to 146,000 people receive treatment for asthma, a figure that has risen by about a third over the past two decades.
While council and councillors support the ambition to tighten standards, officers argue the proposed 1 January 2028 compliance date is unrealistic โ there isn't enough lead-in time.'
Jill continued, โ I would agree on this point and did so in the meeting because the initial Clean Air Strategy was started in 2020 DAERA under Minister Poots but the 2022โ2024 Executive collapse is very likely the primary reason for all councils having to pay catch up on these important strategies as there were no final ministerial sign-off and spending implications couldn't happen without a functioning Executive. We support the recommendations in this report and I feel very strongly that the people of Newcastle are in one of the most โat riskโ groups as our traffic system is so poor and results in hundreds of cars queued into the town. We have major housing developments along the Castlewellan and Dundrum Roads with all that traffic running right outside peoples doors.โ
The second strategy was the NMANDD Climate change Strategy 2026-2030 which will be out across social media platforms and hard copies over the coming weeks.'
'This crucial action plan lays down pathways for the council in five themes, buildings, travel, governance, environment and waste. It was a good, solid strategy with targets tied to real statutory drivers rather than unrealistic aspirations. This relates to all of us in Mourne as we have seen the sharp end of devastation from storms, floods and fire. Iโm also delighted to receive an invitation from our Emergency Reponses team in council who have pulled together statutory agencies and the Newcastle resilience group to help ensure clear lines of communication and preparedness as well as giving statutory agencies a chance to explain their positions as well as their remits in an emergency. This was not an easy action to coordinate and I would like to relay special thanks to the Safety, Health and Emergency Planning (SHEP) team in council.โ
Jill concluded, 'We will continue to support an Independent Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) because we recognise that thriving nature, clean water, clean air and access to beautiful landscapes are essential for our social and economic well-being. We also understand the need to have an agency clear of any political influence to be completely independent.'
Pictured: Mournes Alliance Councillor Jill Truesdale.
