Ireland must break bond with 'cosy fire' as 50 places break air pollution guidelines

The high levels of particulate matter are mostly due to the burning of solid fuels in villages, towns and smaller cities.

Irish people must break their emotional bond with the “cosy fire”, a leading chemistry expert has said, in the wake of the EPA warning of “worrying” air quality at 52 sites across the country.

The Environmental Protection Agency said the burning of solid fuel in villages, towns and cities, particularly outside Dublin, is the biggest contributor to poor air quality.