Air

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 (PM_2.5) 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.

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.