Clean air is essential for our quality of life. While recent decades have seen significant improvements in air quality in Ireland, air pollution continues to cause damage to both our health and environment. The EPA’s annual ‘Air Quality in Ireland’ reports consistently state that Ireland’s air quality is generally good, compares favourably with many of our European neighbours, however there are concerning localised issues which lead to poor air quality. These arise mainly from residential and transport emissions. Levels of particulate matter is of growing concern, especially during the winter months when domestic solid fuel burning can directly impact on air quality and represents a significant risk to human health.
National Ambient Air Quality Network is managed by the Environmental Protection Agency. Information on air quality nationwide can be found at: EPA Air Quality Monitoring
In addition, the European Environment Agency states that air pollution is linked to approx. 1,400 premature deaths in Ireland each year. This is up to ten times the number of people who die on our roads. These deaths arise from health conditions which are linked to air pollution, such as heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and both chronic and acute respiratory diseases.
A range of air quality legislation is therefore in place in Ireland to protect our air quality and safeguard the health of all. The most recent of which is the Solid Fuel Regulations introduced in 2022. These regulations prohibit the sale of unapproved solid fuels. Offaly County Council are committed to improving air quality and have been engaging with retailers by providing advice and guidance on the new regulations to ensure that only approved solid fuels are available for retail. For more information on the Solid Fuel Regulations 2022 and retailer obligations click here.
Offaly County Council has monitoring and enforcement responsibilities and powers under a range of Air Quality legislation, including:
- The Air Pollution Act 1987 (Solid Fuels) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 529 of 2022)
- The Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 286 of 2009)
- The European Union (Paints, Varnishes, Vehicle Refinishing Products and Activities) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 564 of 2012)
- The European Union (Installations and Activities Using Organic Solvents) Regulation 2012 (S.I. No. 565 of 2012)
- The Air Pollution Act 1987 (Petroleum Vapour Emissions) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 375 of 1997)
- The Air Pollution Act 1987