Air (original) (raw)
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We can all help improve the quality of the air we breathe, see what you can do
Air quality and you
What you need to know about air quality
What's happening with air quality?
Key Messages
While air quality in Ireland is generally good, there are concerning
localised issues – these impact negatively on our health.
- People’s health and the health of our environment is at risk due to the levels of pollutants in our air.
- Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from solid fuel combustion and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from vehicle emissions remain as our main pollutants.
- Ireland’s ambition in the Clean Air Strategy is to move towards the World Health Organisation (WHO) Air Quality guidelines, this will be challenging but will have a significantly positive impact on health.
What can I do?
We can all help improve the quality of the air we breathe:
- Reduce particulate matter (PM) pollution from home heating.
- Avoid using solid fuels if you have an alternative cleaner heating system.
- Change how you heat your home by moving away from smoky fuels and instead use cleaner heat sources.
- Make our homes more comfortable by increasing /improving insulation, supports are available through the national retrofitting scheme.
- Reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ) pollution from transport.
- Leave the car at home if you can for one day a week.
- Walk, cycle or take public transport.
- Carpool.
- Work from home for part of your working week.
- Go Electric on your next car.
What's needed?
Help is needed to facilitate people to make cleaner and healthier air quality choices:
- Local authorities must provide more resources to increase air enforcement activities and implement the new solid fuel regulations.
- Dublin Local Authorities must fully implement the Dublin Air Quality Plan.
- Maintain and increase investment in clean public transport infrastructure across the country.
- Create more safe footpaths and cycle lanes.
Air Quality Reports Air
in: Air Quality
- Key indicators of ambient air quality in 2022
Summary of ambient air quality in 2022 based on concentration measurements of particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, heavy metals, ozone, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and benzene. While Ireland met EU legal air quality limits in 2022, it did not meet the health-based World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines for a number of pollutants including: particulate matter (PM), nitrogen Dioxide (N02), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and ozone (O3)
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Air quality in Ireland during the year 2021
This assessment is based on monitoring data collected from the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Network during the year 2021
This assessment is based on monitoring data collected from the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Network during the year 2020
This assessment is based on monitoring data collected from the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Network during the year 2019
FAQs about Air Quality
Air quality in Ireland is generally good however there are localised issues due to the burning of smoky fuel or emissions from transport in dense urban areas.
Popular FAQs
- What is the Air Quality Index for Health (AQIH)?
The EPA’s Air Quality Index for Health (AQIH) is a number from 1 to 10 that tells the public what the air quality currently is in their region, and whether this might affect the health of you or your child. A reading of 10 means the air quality is very poor and a reading of 1 to 3 inclusive means that the air quality is good. https://www.airquality.ie - How often is the Air Quality Forecast updated?
Twice a day, once in the morning (by 9:30) and once in the evening (by 19:30). - Why do we need an Air Quality Forecast?
The forecast gives everyone in Ireland the air quality information they need to plan their outdoor activities to reduce potential exposure to poor air quality. The forecast also helps to increase awareness of air quality issues and to remind us all to take steps to reduce air pollution in Ireland. - What is the Air Quality Forecast and what does it forecast?
Air Quality Forecast Maps predicts daily air quality for:- today,
- tomorrow, and
- the day after tomorrow.
Air quality is presented with different daily maps, including: - Air Quality Index for Health (AQIH),
- Particulate Matter (PM) – both PM2.5 and PM10,
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO2),
- Ozone (O3).
- What are some useful websites where I can get information on air quality?