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Figure 2.3
Air Pollution in Ireland (Source: EPA & DECLG, 2015)
Unfiltered
Filtered
Petrol/Diesel
Vehicles
Electric/Hybrid
Cars
Other Modes
of Transport
Smoky Solid
Fuel
Uninsulated
Insulated
Open Fire
Gas Boiler
Oil
Electric
Splash Plate
Trailing Shoe
Fossil Fuels
Renewable
Technologies such
as heat pumps
Here are some
examples of
ways in which
you can reduce
air pollution
from a range
of different
sources
Low Smoke
Solid Fuel
Figure 2.4
Annual Mean Nitrogen Dioxide Concentrations 2004‑2014 (Source: EPA, 2015)
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Zone D
Zone C
Zone B Traffic
Zone A Background
Zone A Traffic
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
Annual Limit Value
Annual Mean µg/m
3
27
Chapter 2: Air Quality and Transboundary Air Emissions
The Current Air Quality
Situation in Ireland
Main Air Pollutants
Monitoring is carried out for pollutants that impact
on health and vegetation
Air quality monitoring in Ireland is governed by EU
legislation which requires the measurement of NO
x
, SO
2
,
carbon monoxide (CO), ground level ozone (O
3
), particulate
matter (PM
10
and PM
2.5
), benzene, heavy metals and PAHs.
Concentrations of these pollutants are then compared with
a set of limit and target values for the protection of human
health, ecosystems and vegetation. The pollutants of most
concern are NO
x
, PM and O
3
. Recently, PAHs have also been
recognised as a problem pollutant.
The infographic at Figure 2.3 summarises national air
pollution facts and information.
Oxides of Nitrogen (NO
x
)
Main source is vehicle exhausts and high temperature
combustion sources
NO
x
is the collective term for the gases nitric oxide (NO)
and nitrogen dioxide (NO
2
). The source of NO
x
is typically
any process of high-temperature combustion, most
commonly the burning of fossil fuels in the combustion
engines of motor vehicles. Short-term exposure to NO
2
gas is associated with adverse respiratory effects, while
NO
x
in general contribute to the formation of ground-level
ozone and acid rain. NO
2
concentrations in Ireland were
static for the period 2008–2014, perhaps because of a
combination of the economic downturn and favourable
weather. It will be important to remain vigilant to
increasing NO
2
levels, particularly from transport, in light
of the economic recovery.