Air Quality Monitoring

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
          
 

Air Quality Legislation & Enforcement
Wexford 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
      
 

Air Pollution Act, 1987
Section 24 of the Air Pollution Act, 1987 lays down a general obligation on minimising and preventing emissions:
(1)    The occupier of any premises, other than a private dwelling, shall use the best practicable means to limit and, if possible, to prevent an emission from such premises.
(2)    The occupier of any premises shall not cause or permit an emission from such premises in such a quantity, or in such a manner, as to be a nuisance.
The Act also confers Local Authorities with the powers to take appropriate enforcement action where this is breached. This may include prosecutions and fines of up to €5,000 on summary conviction.

Air Quality Index for Health (AQIH)

Help Patients who are Sensitive to Air Pollution

The Air Quality Index for Health (AQIH) can be used by health professionals to help patients who are sensitive to air pollution, manage their condition and reduce their symptoms.

The AQIH is based on World Health Organisation Guidelines. Health advice is provided for two groups:

• those at risk from air pollution 
• the general population.

As a health professional, you may be asked by your patients about whether they belong to an at risk group. Adults and children with heart or lung conditions including asthma are those considered to be at higher risk from air pollution. 

People in at risk groups may experience symptoms when air quality is fair, poor or very poor however those who are highly sensitive to air pollution may even experience symptoms when air quality is good.

The general population may experience symptoms when air quality is poor or very poor.