‘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.
Ireland is predicted to miss targets for recycling municipal and packaging waste for 2025.
An additional 400,000 tonnes of recycling is needed to reach our targets.
Packaging waste generation has increased almost four times faster than recycling since 2016.
Plastic packaging recycling rate is just 30 per cent, significantly below the required target for 2025 of 50 per cent.
Construction waste is Ireland’s largest waste stream, reaching nine million tonnes in 2023.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published its latest data on municipal, packaging and construction and demolition waste for the 2023 reporting year. EPA data shows that in 2023:
Ireland’s municipal recycling rate is 42 per cent, significantly below the 55 per cent target.
Ireland’s packaging waste recycling rate is 59 per cent and the 65 per cent target is at risk.
Ireland’s plastic packaging recycling rate is 30 per cent, significantly off the 50 per cent target.
While 1.3 million tonnes of municipal waste were recycled, this represents no improvement in recycling rates over the past decade. Investment in waste infrastructure is needed to reduce our reliance on overseas facilities with 1.2 million tonnes of municipal waste exported in 2023.
Opportunities to reduce, reuse and recycle valuable materials and resources are also being missed. Packaging waste generation is excessive, and our rate of waste generation is increasing more than we are increasing recycling capacity.
It is now almost certain that mandatory recycling targets that apply from 2025 will be missed.
Commenting, Mr David Flynn, Director of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Sustainability, EPA said: “Ireland’s waste generation is too high. Our report highlights that Ireland needs to make measurable progress on stalled recycling rates and reduce overall consumption. Ireland needs to recycle 400,000 more tonnes of waste each year than we currently do. To address this we need investment in recycling infrastructure and to stop exporting a significant amount of our municipal waste to other countries.”
Construction is the most wasteful sector with nine million tonnes of construction waste generated in 2023. As the industry grows, companies need to urgently prevent waste and maximise the use of recycled and recyclable products.
Commenting, Mr Warren Phelan, Programme Manager of the EPA’s Circular Economy Programme said: “Ireland’s economy uses significant raw materials producing valuable products and materials – but also lots of waste. If we are serious about moving to an economy which values resources and materials, we need to support innovation for low waste businesses as well as lean production, remanufacturing and circular supply chains. Materials and wastes are a cost to businesses, we need to value and retain materials, and our policies must incentivise circular businesses.”
The EPA’s national waste statistics are published on the EPA website HERE where more information on all of the waste streams is now available.
Communications update on pollution of the River Suir In Thurles town centre as received, up until today, September 23rd 2025.
Regarding my last communication updating details on the 12 year old River Suir pollution problem, four emails were sent on Friday last September 19th 2025 to:- Ms Sinead Carr(CE Tipperary Co. Council), [sinead.carr@tipperarycoco.ie]; Environmental Complaints section EPA [E.Complaints@epa.ie], Ms Sharon Scully, (Thurles Municipal District Admin) [sharon.scully@tipperarycoco.ie]; Mr Robert O’Brien(A/Executive Scientist, Environment & Climate Action, Tipperary County Council, Civic Offices, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary).[robert.obrien@tipperarycoco.ie]
To date we have received only two replies shown hereunder.
A reply from the Environmental Protection Agency, latter supposedly a public body responsible for protecting the environment in Ireland has sent the following email.
Dear Mr Willoughby, The EPA acknowledges receipt of your further correspondence relating to this matter. We have written to Tipperary County Council and await their response on any actions taken or planned regarding the matter. We will provide you with an update in four weeks. In the interim, we recommend you continue to report any further issues relating to this matter to Tipperary County Council. Please use the reference numberabove (COM021813) in any further communication with the EPA regarding this matter. Kind regards etc.
Today, I have received a reply from Mr Robert O’Brien, (A/Executive Scientist, Environment & Climate Action, Tipperary County Council, Civic Offices, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary), acknowledging my previous email sent on September 19th. We understand that Mr O’Brien who is on holidays since Friday last has also communicated as follows:-
Hello George, I acknowledge your email sent Friday 19th September. We need time to review your questions, and we will respond in due course. Kind regards etc.
My email sent to the above named on Friday last September 19th has now been sent to the following elected personnel this evening:-
Mr Darragh O’Brien (darragh.obrien@oireachtas.ie) (Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment & Minister for Transport). Mr Alan Dillon (alan.dillon@oireachtas.ie) (Minister of State with responsibility for Small Businesses and Retail. Minister of State with responsibility for Circular Economy) Mr Timmy Dooley (timmy.dooley@oireachtas.ie) (Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries, Minister of State with responsibility for the Marine).
Plans to build 60 new homes in Thurles, Co. Tipperary have been appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
Tipperary County Council who had granted permission to O’Ceallaigh Westfield Ltd for a 60 home development on the Brittas Road, which would see 5 four-bedroom, 27 three-bedroom, and 12 one-bedroom houses built. Two duplex blocks were also proposed, providing eight additional units — four one-bed and four two-bed apartments, together with plans to include a creche with space for 47 children.
Marlstone Manor Residents Association have now appealed the granting of this permission to the Irish planning appeals board.
In a letter to An Coimisiún Pleanála, the group have stated that the development would raise concerns about traffic flow on the Brittas Road.
The appeal stated that the proposed entrance to the estate is on the N62 road, which links Thurles and Templemore, is a particularly busy corridor with agricultural, heavy goods and significant levels of commuter traffic.
The residents have also raised concerns about the potential for a “haphazard approach” of building works given that the 60 house development is the first phase of development at the site.
We understand that Tipperary County Council also granted permission for 52 further homes on the site as part of a second phase of works.
However, the Marlstone Manor Residents Association said that there is no agreement of a phasing of the development. This has the potential to allow for a haphazard approach to dwelling completions which would be driven solely by sales demand. They add that a partially completed development in such a haphazard way will not set a desirable precedent.
Despite their appeal of the development, the neighbouring residents say that they are aware of a significant need for housing, both locally and nationally.
An Coimisiún Pleanála are due to make a decision on the case by January 20th, 2026.
How and when will the environmental needs of the River Suir, In Thurles Co. Tipperary, be correctly addressed.
On Friday August 29th, 2025 after a 12 year wait, I issued, not for the first time, a complaint to the Customer Service Desk at Tipperary Co. Council and received a reply which quoted reference number ENV-11308-F6L3. I should point out, that had I not received a reply by mid-day today, the matter would have found the desk of the Ombudsman on Monday morning next, as is required by the Tipperary Co. Council’s own Customer Charter. SEE HERE.
This afternoon at precisely 3:11pm I received a communication from Mr Robert O’Brien, (A/Executive Scientist, Environment & Climate Action, Tipperary County Council, Civic Offices, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.)
Two signs on the River Suir have since been removed.Why? (See April 17th 2019 Posted 6 years ago).
The communication on Thursday last reads: To George Willoughby, Thurles 18th September 2025 Re: ENV-11366-D1G0: Concerns Regarding the River Suir at Thurles.
Dear Mr. Willoughby, Thank you for your recent correspondence regarding the condition of the upper River Suir at Thurles. We do appreciate your concern. Tipperary County Council acknowledges the environmental challenges facing the upper River Suir at Thurles and wishes to assure you that proactive steps are being taken to address these issues. Contrary to the perception that no action is being taken, a comprehensive catchment management plan and pilot study are currently being developed for the upper catchment of the River Suir. This initiative involves a collaborative approach, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders including local authorities, elected members, agricultural groups, environmental agencies, schools and community groups. The aim is to identify and address key sources of pollution. The pilot study will inform targeted interventions and water quality initiatives to improve water quality, biodiversity and overall river health of the upper River Suir. It is the intention that this pilot study will lead to improvements however it’s important to understand that such improvements will take time. You are welcome to contact me on 087-6724679 or email robert.obrien@tipperarycoco.ie if you have any queries in relation to the information contained in this letter.
Yours Faithfully, Robert O’Brien, Executive Scientist Environment & Climate Action.
Realising that over the past 6 years I had never received the courtesy of a reply from Tipperary Co. Council; on Saturday 30th August, 2025, I issued a formal complaint to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)Ref. COM021813, at info@epa.ie, asking that they put pressure (prosecute if necessary) on Tipperary Co. Council in their failings to take the necessary action required, first reported 12 years ago on November 7th, 2013. SEE HERE and note the date.
Following this latest communication from Mr Robert O’Brien, I now ask:- How will the environmental needs of the River Suir be addressed, keeping in mind that Thurles is its source? Must we take legal action?
From Mr O’Brien reply, shown above, it would appear that major issues will be addressed using a ‘partnership approach‘, where all stakeholders will be consulted. Some might argue that this is a positive problem-solving approach admirably rooted in democracy. Many others, like myself, however, might argue that this is not democracy, but rather bureaucracy (i.e. excessively complicated administrative procedures). Indeed we saw at first hand, recently, how this so called “partnership approach“, ended up with, despite serious protestations, the reduction of 60% footfall on Liberty Square, thus destroying prosperous businesses.
The video footage shown hereunder is undeniable: Tipperary County Council officials, aided by Thurles Municipal District officials and supported by local councillors, are not only failing in their duty to protect the River Suir; they are directly contributing to its pollution and decline and this is confirmed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)Ref. COM021813.
Video above shows sewage flowing openly into the River Suir in broad daylight in the centre of Thurles town, over the last 12 years, within 4 to 20 metres of two major food outlets/supermarkets and never before observed in even the medieval history of Thurles.
Questions: As the communication acknowledges, this consultative partnership approach will take time. (Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) who work on behalf of Ireland’s 31 local authorities reckons between 2 to 5 years). (1)Given the diversity of stakeholders it will most likely take a lot of time, but does the River Suir have that time? (2) As we recently reported, raw sewage is flowing for the past 12 years, into the river. Do we need to consult/create a talking shop with all stakeholders in order to debate the merits of 28 pipes draining into an 800 metre (½ mile) stretch of this river, within the centre of Thurles Town? (3) Surely, it’s fair to assume that all stakeholders will be in agreement that raw sewage flowing into the River Suir is a bad idea and should be addressed immediately. Are we not informed almost daily that health and safety supersede all else? (4) Surely the consultative process can be bypassed, to safeguard against the damage and destruction of sewage pollution? (5)So how will the environmental problems, faced by the River Suir, be solved?
Per your recent reply, it looks like there will be a committee of representative stakeholders who will meet and be consulted on the matter. We had one such talking shop in Thurles, 9 years ago, on August 5th 2016, Read Here. I heard nothing since.
“A camel is a horse designed by a committee!“ Committees have been described by wise men asa group that takes minutes and wastes hours! Alternatively, others see such committees as a group of people who individually can do nothing but as a group decide that nothing can be done!
With regards to forming a committee to correct the sewage issues in the River Suir in Thurles, may I suggest you select 3 people, one of whom you know is always sick and the other whom you know won’t ever turn up. Then as a scientist you go ahead and make a unanimous decision. We already had promises way back over one year ago, published by the Irish Independent. See issue published exactly one year to the day, and dated Thursday, 19th September 2024 at 3:18pm.
I have replied to Mr O’Brien pointing out that all communications from Tipperary Co. Council officials will be published on this site, thus ensuring a “collaborative approach, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders including local authorities, elected members, agricultural groups, environmental agencies, schools and community groups”and we welcome all points of view for discussion.
Yes, I have replied today (10:46am) to Mr O’Brien, expressing my anger, but sadly, one fears the life of the River Suir doesn’t have time to waste, if in my lifetime we are to include its recovery time.
In a supposedly automated reply also received today (11:06am), I learn quote: “I am currently out on site Thursday18th September with limited access to emails and on Annual Leave Friday 19th, but I will reply to e-mails on my return Monday 22nd September. For all urgent enquiries please call the Environment Section at 0818 06 5000”.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Recent Comments