Studies from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have shown that many areas of Dublin have high levels of the pollutant Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), at the highest urban traffic locations there is a risk of exceeding the statutory EU limit - the local authorities will need to establish air quality action plans.
The EU air quality standards for NO2 pollution must not exceed:
The air monitoring reports suggest that certain areas of Dublin have levels of NO2 above the permitted limits, found in the EPA's report released on 8 July 2019 which indicates that the limits of NO2 could be exceeded in certain areas, such as:
Resulting from the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme, there is new equipment being installed across the country which is used to assess air quality. The programme allows the EPA to identify new suitable sites for additional air quality monitoring stations (ones near St John's Road West, Heuston Station and Pearse St have already been set up). These chosen areas have high levels of NO2 that are likely to exceed the annual limit.
Dr Ciara McMahon, the EPA Programme Manager, said: "This report outlines the findings of two recent studies which suggest that levels of Nitrogen Dioxide in certain parts of Dublin are exceeding the EU limit value. Given the known health impacts on people’s respiratory systems, this is a cause of concern.
"Traffic is the dominant source of nitrogen dioxide in our urban areas and the public must be supported in taking clean transport choices if we want to reduce nitrogen dioxide concentrations in the air we breathe".
Are you wondering why we're discussing legislation in the Republic of Ireland? Watch this space...
