Dublin’s air quality is at its worst in 30 years

Air pollution in Dublin City was at a level not seen in over 30 years, according to recent records from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

In the last weekend of November, air pollution spiked across the city as well as many other towns around the country. 

Pat Kenny, Air Quality Manager for the EPA, told The Liberty.ie that the quality of air “moved to a very poor status at multiple stations over last weekend”. 

Kenny explained that the burning of peat, coal and wood in domestic homes is the main source of air pollution in Irish towns and cities. 

“The pollutant that caused the poor air quality was fine particulate matter known as PM2.5. This is found in the air due to domestic solid fuel burning and is the dominant source of fine particulate matter in Ireland”. 

Air pollution levels in Rathmines and Ringsend were recorded at up to 15 times higher than EU and World Health Organisation guidelines. 

Scientists from University College Cork have said that certain weather conditions such as lack of wind, can cause smoke from fossil fuels to hang in the air. 

According to the EPA, 1,300 premature deaths each year can be attributed to poor air quality.