New project explores air quality alerts for Cork residents

The alerts would be issued in the same manner as weather alerts and would advise of adverse air quality conditions, which can lead to health issues

An ominous smog-like haze hangs over Cork city centre and suburbs at the weekend, as seen from Montenotte, which is one of the highest points of the city. Fuel burning at home is the predominant cause, according to experts.

Cork residents could receive air quality alerts along the lines of flood or storm warnings, as a major collaborative project between University College Cork (UCC) researchers and the local authority gathers momentum.

Poor air quality contributes to more than 1,200 premature deaths in Ireland each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).