Striving to improve indoor air quality a ‘no-brainer’, says Maghie, following progression of clean indoor air motion

Alliance Ormiston Councillor Jenna Maghie has said she is delighted to see the unanimous passing of her motion on Friday (22 September) calling for Belfast City Council’s commitment to implementing clean indoor air strategies in City Hall and other Council-owned premises, and the Council’s signing of a COVID Safety Pledge.

Belfast City Council Jenna Maghie clean indoor air

This would include reporting on the steps that have already been taken to prioritise clean indoor air in Belfast City Hall and other Council-owned and occupied premises, and on what additional steps could be taken to improve indoor air quality and the information available about it for employees and the general public.
 
It also calls on the Council to develop and promote advice that can be followed to provide clean indoor air at events supported by Belfast City Council.
 
The motion will progress to the next stage for consideration, pending a report to go back to committee.
 
Speaking after the meeting where the decision on the motion was agreed before being finalised at full Council, Cllr Maghie has said: “We spend around 90% of our time indoors, and yet most of our efforts are focused on outdoor clean air.
 
“There were some hard lessons to be learned from the Covid-19 pandemic on the importance of good ventilation and clean indoor air, for both health and productivity. Coming now into the winter months, it’s more important than ever that we heed them.
 
“It should be the bare minimum that we seek to take all reasonable steps possible to protect the safety of both Council staff and the public, and ensure the inclusion of those who are vulnerable or immune-compromised in being able to access Council services.
 
“It’s a no-brainer that we need to focus more effort to improving and sustaining indoor air quality levels, starting with Council buildings and leading by example. I’m incredibly proud to see Belfast councillors come together to support this motion, and am greatly looking forward to the decision being formalised at our next full Council meeting.”