Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Shutterstock/NadyGinzburg

Levels of dangerous air pollutant NO2 possibly exceeding limits on M50 and on Dublin streets

A new report from the Environment Protection Agency looks at indicators of the levels of NO2 in the air in Dublin.

LEVELS OF AIR pollutant nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are possibly exceeding EU limits in areas of high motor traffic in Dublin, such as on the M50, and on certain city centre streets, representing a possible public health risk.

A new report from the Environment Protection Agency looks at indicators of the levels of NO2 in the air in Dublin, showing that the dangerous chemical may be exceeding EU annual limits in some areas.

NO2 levels have been increasing in Ireland as a result of a growth of motor traffic numbers. Emissions from traffic are the main source of NO2 in the country, along with electricity generating stations and industry.

The chemical can affect the throat and lungs with emphysema and cellular damage among the negative health effects. 

The report found that areas with heavier traffic have the highest levels of No2 in Dublin. Levels were high – suggesting they may be over the EU limit – in particular places, including: 

  • Certain streets in the city centre 
  • The M50 motorway
  • The entrance to and exit from the Dublin Port Tunnel

The report pointed out that levels of the pollutant are well within the EU limits in many residential areas.

Next steps 

The results laid out in the report are an early warning, the EPA said. They point to a need for coordinated action to improve air quality in Dublin. 

The report notes that if further monitoring confirms that EU limits are being exceeded, local authorities will be legally required to prepare air quality action plans to address the causes and provide solutions in the affected areas.

“This report outlines the findings of two recent studies which suggest that levels of Nitrogen Dioxide in certain parts of Dublin are exceeding the EU limit value,” said Dr Ciara McMahon, EPA programme manager. 

“Given the known health impacts on people’s respiratory systems, this is a cause of concern.

Traffic is the dominant source of nitrogen dioxide in our urban areas and the public must be supported in taking clean transport choices if we want to reduce nitrogen dioxide concentrations in the air we breathe.

Dr McMahon said that recent climate action measures introduced by government for the transport sector in Dublin could “also act to reduce harmful health impacting pollutants such as Nitrogen Dioxide”.

This report is a further call for coordinated action to tackle transport emissions in Dublin.

In order to improve the availability of real-time air quality data, the EPA is setting up new permanent monitoring stations. In Dublin, one has been set up near Heuston Station and another is being installed near Pearse Street. 

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
51 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andrea Rock Massey
    Favourite Andrea Rock Massey
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 7:35 AM

    Is anybody else having trouble opening the links provided?

    310
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Robert Wriggit
    Favourite Robert Wriggit
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 7:42 AM

    yep!

    111
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute vv7k7Z3c
    Favourite vv7k7Z3c
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 8:08 AM

    Hi Andrea – are you trying them on desktop, iOS or Android?

    11
    See 5 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mairead Hynes
    Favourite Mairead Hynes
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 8:10 AM

    I’m on Android (lollipop), no links for me #sadface

    38
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute vv7k7Z3c
    Favourite vv7k7Z3c
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 8:11 AM

    Thanks Mairead – we’re looking into this right way, as it works on iOS and desktop.

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jamie O'Connell
    Favourite Jamie O'Connell
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 8:12 AM

    For me, it’s the Android Journal app.

    60
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute vv7k7Z3c
    Favourite vv7k7Z3c
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 8:15 AM

    Hi Jamie – thanks for the info, our tech team are looking into it. In the meantime, I know it’ s not ideal but if you do have access to the desktop site, (should work on your phone’s internet browser too outside of the app I think) then you can try there?

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute vv7k7Z3c
    Favourite vv7k7Z3c
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 9:00 AM

    Hi Andrea, it should be working now if you want to give it a try?

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jennifer Reynolds
    Favourite Jennifer Reynolds
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 8:03 AM

    Nope, links won’t work. But I don’t actually care all that much because I got my first choice!! Helloooo primary school teaching in St Pats

    246
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Margaret Daly
    Favourite Margaret Daly
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 8:05 AM

    well done!

    48
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jennifer Reynolds
    Favourite Jennifer Reynolds
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 8:10 AM

    Thank you!

    36
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute E F Fanning
    Favourite E F Fanning
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 7:43 AM

    No links will open for me.

    85
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute vv7k7Z3c
    Favourite vv7k7Z3c
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 9:00 AM

    Hi there – it should be working on Android now, let me know if you have any more problems.

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute E F Fanning
    Favourite E F Fanning
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 10:03 AM

    Working now, thanks.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sinéad Cronin
    Favourite Sinéad Cronin
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 7:58 AM

    I went to another site to check points. Links not working all morning, not a morning anyone needs to be waiting for a never loading link!

    74
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eoin Hurley
    Favourite Eoin Hurley
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 9:38 AM

    Just accepted my place at UCC in Pharmacy absolutely delighted!

    66
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rob Morgan
    Favourite Rob Morgan
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 9:51 AM

    Absolutely gutted , missed law and german by twenty points . Got 525 and the course moved up to 545 from 515. I got offered biopharmaceutical chemistry in galway which I’d strongly dislike to do as I know it’s not for me. Go to college to do a course I don’t want and move across the country or take a year out? Tough decision.

    47
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute JoJo
    Favourite JoJo
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 10:09 AM

    Year out and work and save some money, life is too short to waste it studying something that doesn’t interest you.

    82
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute AN other
    Favourite AN other
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 11:11 AM

    Did you not apply for a similar level 6/7 course? I’d take that if I were you and then see about a transfer to the lv8 course

    I know somebody who couldn’t do his engineering course in UCC because despite having 500+ points he failed French…

    Now he has a masters in engineering from UCC as well as a degree, a diploma and a certificate from CIT.

    Imagine graduating 4 times lol

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dr.Dylan Tierney
    Favourite Dr.Dylan Tierney
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 8:33 AM

    Course points have risen exponentially across the board. Let’s hope round 2 is more forgiving

    38
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute twit
    Favourite twit
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 8:11 AM

    To confirm… Not opening on Android OS

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute vv7k7Z3c
    Favourite vv7k7Z3c
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 9:01 AM

    Hi there, it should be working now.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fox Trot
    Favourite Fox Trot
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 8:10 AM

    android

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mark Miller
    Favourite Mark Miller
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 8:10 AM

    Won’t open on android

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute vv7k7Z3c
    Favourite vv7k7Z3c
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 9:00 AM

    Hi Mark, it should be working on Android now.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tammy Ní Laoire
    Favourite Tammy Ní Laoire
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 8:34 AM

    Still won’t open on Android!

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute vv7k7Z3c
    Favourite vv7k7Z3c
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 9:00 AM

    Hi Tammy, should be working now!

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Maura Tansey
    Favourite Maura Tansey
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 3:20 PM

    Taught a fetac level 5 would guarantee a place in nursing???? got 10 destinations. . trying to get through on phones”(

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Larry L'Oiseau
    Favourite Larry L'Oiseau
    Report
    Aug 17th 2015, 7:33 PM

    Please tell me that was an autocorrect error Maura ?

    13
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds