Air Quality

Ireland’s air quality currently is good, relative to other European Union (EU) Member States, but maintaining this standard is a growing challenge.

Despite our monitored air quality being within EU limit values, the 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 on our health. In our larger urban areas we face potential exceedances of nitrogen dioxide limit values unless we reduce our dependence on the private motor car.

Assessments and Reports

For all the latest EPA assessments and information on Air click here.

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Air Quality Monitoring in Limerick

Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have a combination of twenty-nine fixed monitors measuring air quality and/or noise at fifteen sites in the Metropolitan Area of Limerick and in County Limerick:

  • Abbeyfeale (EPA) – air quality;
  • Askeaton (EPA) - air quality;
  • Ballinacurra Road (LCCC Active Travel) - air quality and noise;
  • Canal Bank (LCCC Active Travel) - air quality and noise;
  • Castletroy (LCCC) - air quality;
  • Castletroy Greenway (LCCC) – noise;
  • Childers Road (LCCC Active Travel) - air quality and noise;
  • Henry Street (EPA) – air quality;
  • Lock Quay (LCCC) - air quality and noise;
  • Lough Gur (LCCC) - noise;
  • Mungret (LCCC) – air quality;
  • Old Cratloe Road (LCCC Active Travel) - air quality and noise;
  • People’s Park (EPA/LCCC) - air quality and noise;
  • South Circular Road (LCCC Active Travel) - air quality and noise;
  • Parkway Roundabout (LCCC Active Travel) - air quality and noise.

Results from the monitors can be accessed by the public here with the Air Quality Index for Health indicated. To use the website, zoom into the site of interest in the map. This will allow the user to select and search data from the monitors. The latest results over the 24 hours are available, as well as a facility to search past data. Data from the EPA’s website can also be accessed here.

Limerick City and County Council has been monitoring air quality in the Limerick Metropolitan Area and making data available to the public since October 2017, beginning first with sites at Castletroy, O’Connell Street and Mungret. Air quality monitoring at Castletroy and Mungret continues although monitoring at O’Connell Street has been relocated to Lock Quay along the Dublin Road.

Key environmental indices measured are particulate matter (PM) commonly used as an indicator of dust particles in the air, including total suspended particulates, PM10, PM2.5 and PM1. PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 are the sub-fraction of particles which can penetrate into the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs.

Chronic exposure to particles contributes to the risk of developing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as of lung cancer. PM2.5 is generally considered as the PM indices of primary concern for human health in Ireland.

Limerick City and County Council’s Active Travel Section, in collaboration with the Environment Section, has sponsored air quality and sound level monitoring at six sites associated with strategic active travel routes in the Metropolitan Area to aid the Active Travel Section assess key environmental performance indicators over time (air quality and noise) and to make environmental data available to the public.

Key air quality indices measured at these sites are PM and gases including nitrogen dioxide (NO2). NO2 is associated with the combustion of fossil fuels with traffic contributing significantly to NO2 pollution.

Short-term exposure to NO2 is linked to adverse respiratory effects including airway inflammation in healthy people and increased respiratory symptoms in asthmatics. Long-term exposure is associated with increased risk of respiratory infections and diseases.

Noise monitoring undertaken by LCCC at the sites is used to corroborate strategic noise mapping which is statutorily required to be prepared every five years under the Environmental Regulations (2018, as amended) and also in the investigation of areas that potentially have low levels of environmental noise (Canal Bank, Castletroy Greenway, Lough Gur and People’s Park) as part of Noise Action Plans.

Limerick City and County Council works in partnership with the EPA's National Ambient Air Quality Network. There are four EPA air quality monitoring stations installed across the City and County (see above sites). The Council has supported the preparation of sites for installations and supports the management of the EPA’s monitoring network in Limerick.

The development of the public dashboard providing the combined air quality and noise monitoring data has been sponsored by the Active Travel Section in collaboration with the Environment Section.

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Air Quality Standards

The CAFE (Clean Air for Europe) Directive sets air quality standards for member states in Europe and has been transposed into Irish legislation by the Air Quality Standards Regulations.

The targets for the protection of human health from particulate matter can be found at the EPA’s here.

The limit values below are taken from the EPA’s website and based on those set in the CAFE Directive 2008/50/EC.

Pollutant Objective Averaging Period Limit Value Basis of Application of the Limit Value Limit Value Attainment Date
PM10 Protection of human  24 hours 50 ug/m3 Not to be exceeded  1 Jan 2005
PM10 Protection of human health calendar year 40 ug/m3 Annual mean 1 Jan 2005
PM2.5 Protection of human health calendar year 25 ug/m3 Annual mean 1 Jan 2005
PM2.5 Protection of human health calendar year 20 ug/m3 Annual mean 1 Jan 2020

Assessment of air quality with respect to these standards requires the use of measurement methods known as Standard Reference Methods. The Council’s air quality monitors are not designed for direct assessment of compliance with the CAFE Directive, and provide indicative data (an indication of air quality). The results can be affected by localised events that can cause occasional peaks (e.g. pollutants from a car idling beneath the monitor). However, the monitors used by the Council are certified under the UK MCERTS (Monitoring Certification Scheme for Equipment) scheme as indicative PM10 monitors.

The air quality monitors will allow the Council and the public to review long-term trends to establish any improvement or deterioration of air quality in the metropolitan area of Limerick.

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Protection of Human Health

The air quality data on the website is provided for public information and is not intended to provide health advice. However, there is a link on the Air Quality Monitoring website to the Daily Air Quality Index, which is used by the UK and is consistent with the Air Quality Index for Health in Ireland.

Please Note: Other components of air which may contribute to the Air Quality Index for Health (SO2, NO2 and  Ozone)  are not currently measured by the Limerick City and County Council monitors. 

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Air Quality Reports for Limerick

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Air Pollution / Nuisance

Section 4 of the Air Pollution Act 1987 defines 'Air Pollution' as a 'condition of the atmosphere in which a pollutant is present in such a quantity as to be liable to:
 

  1. Be injurious to public health
  2. Have a deleterious effect on flora or fauna or damage property, or
  3. Impair or interfere with amenities or the environment'

The legislation applies therefore in cases where there are emissions of smoke, particles, other fumes, or where there are unpleasant external odours.

To download the Air Emissions Licence Application Form click here.

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Regulation of Solid Fuels

Make our air cleaner for everyone!

smokey coal

The Air Pollution Act 1987 (Solid Fuels) Regulations 2022 came into effect on Monday, 31st October 2022.

Under these Regulations, there is now a state-wide prohibition on the sale and distribution of bituminous i.e. “smoky” coal.

The Regulations introduce the concept of an “approved solid fuel” i.e. “a solid fuel product which is used for the purposes of combustion for heating (space or water) in a fireplace in a domestic or a licensed premises that conforms with the requirements as set out in” the Regulations.

Under Article 5 of the Regulations, an “approved solid fuel” must conform with the following requirements:

  • Coal products and manufactured solid fuels must have a smoke emission rate of less than 10 grams per hour.
  • Manufactured part biomass products must have a smoke emission rate of less than 5 grams per hour.
  • Coal products and manufactured solid fuels, including manufactured part biomass products, must have sulphur content —
    a. less than 2% by weight on a dry ash-free basis, and
    b. have sulphur content less than 2% by weight on a dry ash-free basis.
  • Fuel products which are 100% biomass products, including wood products and wood logs, supplied in units of two cubic metres or less, must have a moisture content of —
    a. less than 25%, and
    b. with effect from 1 September 2025, less than 20%.
  • Wood logs supplied in units of more than two cubic metres shall be accompanied by a notice containing the statement specified in Schedule 1 of the Regulations.

The Regulations apply to coal and wood products, including those containing “residues of biological origin”.

Under the Regulations, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains a Register of Solid Fuel Producers who have satisfied the requirements for inclusion. The 2025/26 Register may be viewed here

The Regulations also confer obligations on a number of parties including:

  • “producers” and
  • “retailers”.

“producer” means a person who for the purposes of combustion or heating, produces or treats or imports solid fuel for retail or distribution in the State, and “produce” shall be read accordingly.

A “producer” is responsible for the conformity assessment under Regulation 10 of solid fuel which the producer produces.

A “producer” shall not retail or distribute a solid fuel product unless the product —

  • is an approved solid fuel,
  • is certified as set out in the Regulations,
  • is labelled in accordance with the requirements of the Regulations,
  • in the case of wood supplied in units of two cubic metres or more, is accompanied by a notice containing the statement specified in Schedule 1 of the regulations, and
  • relates to a fuel activity in respect of which the “producer” is registered on the fuels register.

“retailer” means a person who for the purposes of trade or otherwise in the course of business, sells or otherwise supplies irrespective of the selling technique used, solid fuel to other persons for combustion for heating, in, from or in connection with a premises or online, whether directly or indirectly, and includes a wholesaler and a supplier;

A “retailer” shall not retail in the State any solid fuel placed on the market by a producer who is not listed on the Register of Solid Fuel Producers in respect of that fuel activity.

A “retailer” shall not make available for sale on the premises of the “retailer” or by any other means a solid fuel which is not an “approved solid fuel”.

A “retailer” shall keep records for a period of one year to show that all solid fuel sold or distributed is an “approved solid fuel”. These records should include all invoices, credit notes, dispatch or delivery documents detailing the products purchased from a

“producer”, including the registration number issued to the “producer” under section 22E of the Act of 1987 in respect of solid fuel supplied to the retailer.

The records referred to in the previous paragraph shall be provided by a “retailer” for inspection, on request, by an authorised person, e.g. a member of staff of Limerick City & County Council.

Labelling Requirements

Under Article 11 of the Regulations, the packaging of an “approved solid fuel” must be labelled:

  • with the words “contents comply with the Air Pollution Act Regulations” and
  • with the registration number issued to the “producer” of the fuel under section 22E of the Act of 1987.

The label must be —

  • non-detachable,
  • legible,
  • either in colour, or black and white, on a contrasting background, and
  • tamperproof.

In addition to the requirements above, the label of the packaging of manufactured part biomass products shall include the percentage of biomass used in the product blend.

The packaging of fuel which is not an “approved solid fuel” must not purport to comply with the Regulations.

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AnchorPenalties for Non-Compliance

The Air Pollution Act, 1987 provides for fines of up to €5,000 to be imposed for breaches of the Act and derived regulations. A contravention of a provision of the regulations is an offence under the Act and will be prosecuted under the Act.

Section 14 of the Act allows an authorised person to enter into any premises with other persons or equipment as may be considered necessary. In the case of a private dwelling, 24 hours written notice of intent to enter must be provided unless the occupier consents to an earlier entry.

Cost of Solid Fuels

The Department of Energy, Climate & Communications has provided the following information (summer 2022).

People have to heat their homes and concern is expressed sometimes about the cost impact of further solid fuel regulation on lower-income households who cannot afford to upgrade their heating systems. Moving from smoky solid fuels to low-smoke fuels does not require expensive appliance change.

The SEAI publishes a Domestic Fuels Comparison of Energy Costs report every 3 months and the most recent, from 22 April, shows that low-smoke coal (ovoids) is the most cost-efficient choice of coal – in terms of heat delivered per cent, and the second most cost-efficient overall.

Turf prices are not available for comparison, as there are more informal arrangements in their distribution. However, it should be noted that the heat efficiency per kg of turf is much lower than wood, oil or coal.

Fuel Cent/kWh
Premium Coal (bag) (smoky) 8.46
Standard Coal (bag) (smoky) 8.08
Low Smoke Ovoids (bag) (low-smoke) 7.92
Peat Briquettes 8.22
Wood Pellets 7.95
Softwood – Bags/Pallet/Loose (under 25% moisture) From 5.92 to 11.78
Hardwood – Bag/Pallet 10.52 to 13.50

It is important to note that, irrespective of the introduction of the new regulations, recent anecdotal evidence suggests that the cost of smoky coal has increased as a result of supply chain issues related to the Ukraine crisis.

There can also be a cost difference between coal sourced outside of the state and coal sold here due to differences in tax regimes.

Remember:

  • If you sell bituminous ('smoky') coal anywhere in Limerick City or County Limerick, you are committing an offence and could be fined up to €5,000. You are also contributing to the creation of an environmental and health hazard in your city.
  • If you have bags of bituminous ('smoky') coal on display or signs advertising this coal, you are committing an offence and could be fined up to €5,000. 
  • If you distribute bags of bituminous ('smoky') coal, you are committing an offence and could be fined up to €5,000. 

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AnchorEEA: Air Quality in Europe Report 2014

On 21st November 2014, the European Environment Agency (EEA) published its Air Quality in Europe 2014 report. 

This report presents an overview and analysis of air quality in Europe from 2003 to 2012 and reviews progress towards meeting the requirements of the air quality directives.

The report can be viewed on the EEA website click here. 
 

North South Ministerial Council Residential Solid Fuel and Air Pollution Study

This report was jointly commissioned by the Department of Environment for Northern Ireland (DoENI) and the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government (An Roinn Tithíochta, Pleanála, Pobail agus Rialtais Áitiύil) and prepared by Ricardo Energy & Environment. 

It is imperative that Government at all levels plays a key role to improve the health of its citizens by devising, implementing, and enforcing policies and legislation, to reduce pollutant emissions. It is with this understanding, and the background that one of the key sources of pollution in Northern Ireland and Ireland is residential solid fuel burning, that the North South Ministerial Council announced the commissioning of the joint North-South study on Residential Solid Fuel and Air Pollution.

The report was published in March 2016. To view the report click here.

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Nitrogen Dioxide Diffusion Tube Survey

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is produced during combustion at high temperatures with the main source in Limerick being vehicles. Short-term exposure to NO2 is linked to adverse respiratory effects including airway inflammation in healthy people and increased respiratory symptoms in asthmatics. Long-term exposure is associated with increased risk of respiratory infections in children.

The annual mean limit for NO2 is 40 µg/m3 as set-out under the EU CAFÉ Directive and recommended by the World Health Organisation.

The EPA has carried out a study to estimate the long-term average NO2 concentrations in our major Cities. As part of that Limerick City and  County Council has carried out a diffusion tube survey for the EPA to monitor NO2 levels in the City. The results of the study for Limerick and other Cities can be found here.

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Links to Air Legislation

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This service is provided by

Environment and Climate Action

customerservices@limerick.ie
+353 61 556000