‘We need to do more to protect clean air in towns, villages and cities across Ireland’ says EPA
- Air quality in Ireland is generally good and was compliant with 2024 air quality standards, meeting all EU legal requirements.
- It will be more challenging for Ireland to meet new and more stringent air quality limits that will come into force from 2030.
- Clean air is essential for our health. Around 1,700 premature deaths occur in Ireland each year because of poor air quality.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published its report, Air Quality in Ireland 2024, which is based on data from Ireland’s extensive air monitoring network of 115 stations. It reveals that while Ireland currently meets EU air quality standards, we are projected to fall short of the stricter air quality standards set for 2030 under the new Ambient Air Quality Directive.
The new EU Directive, part of the Zero Pollution Action Plan, aims to reduce premature deaths from air pollution by 55 per cent by 2030. Ireland faces significant challenges in meeting these targets, with projected compliance levels of only 93 per cent for fine particulates (PM2.5) and 78 per cent for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). Ireland also continues to fall well short of achieving the more stringent World Health Organization (WHO) health-based 2040 guidelines for several key pollutants.
The primary sources of air pollution in Ireland are solid fuel burning and traffic emissions. The European Environment Agency estimates that in Ireland, more than 1,700 premature deaths annually are attributable to air pollution, with links to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, dementia, type 2 diabetes and neonatal mortality. Vulnerable groups, including children and older adults, are particularly at risk.
Mr Pat Byrne, Director of the EPA’s Office of Radiation Protection and Environmental Monitoring, stated:
“Many of us have grown up with the comfort of an open fire and limited alternatives to travelling by car—but these familiar habits contribute to poor air quality. Supporting people to shift towards cleaner heating and more sustainable travel isn’t about giving something up—it’s about gaining healthier air and healthier lives.”
Air pollution in Ireland is not confined to cities — towns and villages are also affected. The EPA website www.airquality.ie provides hourly-updated information on air quality and a 3-day air quality forecast. Having these online tools can help us make choices to protect our health during periods of poor air quality.
Ms Roni Hawe, EPA Programme Manager for Environmental Monitoring and Surveillance, added:
“Ireland is facing considerable challenges in its efforts to meet the more stringent air quality standards set for 2030, as well as the World Health Organization targets for 2040. Achieving these goals will require a decisive shift away from solid fuel burning, alongside the adoption of electric vehicles, efforts to reduce traffic and encouraging the use of public transport.”
To find out more about how we can improve air quality read the EPA’s “How we can improve the air we breathe“ infographic or check out the “Government of Ireland Clean Air“, which highlights some simple steps we can all make and help reduce pollution from solid fuels.
The Air Quality in Ireland 2024 report is available on the EPA website HERE.
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