Air Quality
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, but that some localised areas of concern remain. These arise mainly from residential and transport emissions.
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.
Air Quality Monitoring
Air quality monitoring in Ireland is led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the national Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme (AAMP). Real-time and historic data from all monitoring stations across the State is available at all times at www.airquality.ie
In addition, the EPA operates an Air Quality Index for Health (AQIH), which runs on a scale from 1 (Good) to 10 (Very Poor). The latest AQIH for all monitoring station locations is also available at all times at www.airquality.ie.
There are three permanent air pollution monitors in Waterford, and the latest readings from these can be accessed below
- Dungarvan (https://airquality.ie/station/TNO3946)
- Waterford (Paddy Brownes Road) https://airquality.ie/station/EPA-59
- Waterford (Merchants Quay) https://airquality.ie/station/EPA-87
Legislation
Waterford City and 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
