To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, as part of the Clean Air Strategy, whether his Department plans to introduce (i) a city-wide Low Emission Zone for Belfast; and (ii) smaller localised Low Emission Zones for specific hotspots in other areas.

In December 2016, the previous DAERA Minister, Michele McIlveen, gave a commitment to develop an air quality strategy. Since then, my officials have been working on developing a draft Clean Air Strategy Discussion Document. This work has involved close collaboration with other Departments, in particular the Department for Infrastructure. Information on Low Emission Zones (LEZs) is included within the Clean Air Strategy Discussion Document.

The Discussion Document has now been finalised and will be launched for a 12 week public consultation in the coming weeks. The consultation will invite views on a range of matters relating to air quality and will be an opportunity for stakeholders to put ideas and suggestions to my Department. I welcome full engagement in this process.