4.12.5 Key issues: Air Quality

Ireland generally has good air quality and generally meets its EU emissions limit values.

Despite this, monitoring reveals that exceedances are occurring of the stricter WHO guideline

values, an indication that air quality problems may be more widespread than previously

thought.

The following key air quality issues have been identified through the baseline review:

Emissions from transport are a key contributor to air quality issues. This includes those

associated with private vehicle use.

Particulate matter from the burning of solid fuel is estimated to cause 1,300 premature

deaths per year in Ireland.

The provision of sustainable transport infrastructure, including new cycle infrastructure

will support enhancements to air quality.