Alliance Environment spokesperson John Blair MLA has welcomed the announcement of Northern Ireland’s first clean air strategy document by the Environment Minister.

The member of the APG on Lung Health at Stormont said: “This announcement fulfils a significant commitment from the New Decade New Approach and I welcome the announcement of the Clean Air Strategy Discussion.

“This document is long overdue as air pollution levels in Northern Ireland are deeply concerning. I encourage stakeholders to respond to the document and help to inform future policy direction on how to improve Northern Ireland’s air quality.

“I hope that this announcement will establish a framework for air quality improvement to protect people’s health and the environment across Northern Ireland. As air pollution continues to be hidden killer, I look forward to working with the Department to reduce health issues which arise as a result of the quality of the air we breathe.”