Ireland's air quality 'good' despite pollution contributing to around 1,500 needless deaths a year

Despite Ireland’s relatively good air quality, the agency warned that air pollution from solid fuel burning and traffic emissions 'still causes significant health impacts'. File picture

Air quality across Ireland is considered “good” and currently meets EU standards, but pollution still contributes to around 1,500 needless deaths annually, according to the latest data.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said data from 113 air monitoring stations across Ireland found that pollutants have decreased over the last 20 years.

However, despite Ireland’s relatively good air quality, the agency warned that air pollution from solid fuel burning and traffic emissions “still causes significant health impacts”. 

In Ireland, the European Environment Agency estimates that around 1,500 premature deaths annually can be attributed to air pollution.

The stations across Ireland measure key pollutants such as particulate matter like soot and ash, nitrogen dioxide from the likes of exhausts, and ozone.

The EPA said it also monitors dioxin levels in the environment by analysing cow’s milk. Residential, backyard burning and illegal burning of waste are major sources of dioxins.

“Dioxin concentrations, as in recent years, were significantly below European limit values,” they said.

Overall, the EPA says in Ireland air quality is improving, and most pollutants are showing a steady decline. However, it added that despite this, Ireland still remains above the recommendations of the World Health Organisation and the legal limits from 2030 in the revised EU directive.

The revised directive, which comes into effect in December, will mean Ireland will face tougher limits for air quality from 2030. This is part of the EU’s plan to achieve zero pollution by 2050.

“To deliver cleaner air and improved public health, Government support for infrastructure, household measures such as cleaner heating and home retrofit grants, and enforcement activities must be maintained and strengthened,” the EPA said.

The EPA said local authorities also play a vital role in improving air quality through enforcement of solid fuel regulations, promoting home retrofitting, promoting active travel, as well as public awareness initiatives.