Limerick City and Ennis among areas regularly exceeding WHO air pollution standards

Traffic congestion is a major contributor to nitrogen dioxide, which can cause irreversible damage to the respiratory system. File picture: Denis Minihane

Many areas of the country, including parts of Limerick City and Ennis, are regularly exceeding newly recommended long-term air pollution standards.

That is according to research from a University of Galway masters candidate, who said even cursory checks of air quality sensors across Ireland shows parts of the country glaringly behind newly-revised standards as laid down by the World Health Organization (WHO).