Ten hotspots across Dublin have been identified with high concentrations of harmful levels of nitrogen dioxide.
The findings of a study by University College Dublin and Dublin City University have been released, finding high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the capital’s inner city areas.
Google analysed the quality of Dublin’s air over the course of a year to May 2022 by deploying electric Google Street View cars equipped with air sensors that continually captured data.
Areas including Temple Bar, along the quays and on O’Connell Street were found to have high concentrations of the small yet harmful pollutants.
”I think we should all be aware the hazardous pollutants are everywhere,” said Dr Jiayao Chen of the School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy in UCD.
”According to the WHO, 99% of the population are exposed to hazardous air pollutants, especially exceeding indoor air quality guidelines.”
The Google Air View project revealed that during the sampling period, 49.4% of days exceeded World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for NO2 levels with peaks during rush hours, especially in winter.
”I think people should be aware of the bad [air] quality, especially during nighttime. It’s about the traffic and the second part is about the emission source from domestic burning, especially during nighttime.”
Doctors say that chronic exposure to air pollutants can lead to cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses.
Vulnerable communities including those with asthma have been advised to consider changing their usual outdoor routines that take place during peak evening hours, to avoid the worst of the air pollution.
”I think in terms of traffic pollution, if you know you have a predisposing condition, try and avoid going out at those really peak times during 7am and 10am in the morning and then again in the evening from 4pm till 7pm for example.
“I believe masks can also make a small difference to PM 2.5 and is sometimes recommended,” said Dr Debbie Stanistreet, Professor of Public Health at Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
Dubliners who continue to use open fires or stoves have been urged to consider alternatives.
”If they possibly have another alternative, don’t use home heating stoves where they’re burning wood or coal. Any of those products, because if you’re burning those in your living room every time you open that stove, you’re putting yourself at risk.”
Motorists who think they are protected from inhaling the harmful small air particulates from inside their vehicle have been warned they too are at risk.
”You’re not protected if you’re sitting in a car, particularly if you’ve got your fan on. And so, if you’re driving your children to school, sitting in the car and thinking that pollution is all out there, it’s actually inside the car with you and you’d be better off walking or cycling as would your children.
“So, if that’s an option then I would definitely encourage people to do that,” said Dr Stanistreet.
Many inner city areas such as Stoneybatter were found to have highly concentrated levels of nitrogen dioxide.
Read more:
Where are the air pollution hotspots in Dublin city?
Researchers say technology for monitoring and mapping should be used to identify the hyperlocal distribution of air pollutants.
Academics from UCD and DCU say this real time information about exposure levels and hotspots could help raise public awareness and ultimately improve air quality in densely populated areas of the capital.
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The most polluted areas in Dublin, with high levels of nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter, include:
The ‘Top 10’ highly polluted areas in Dublin, with high levels of nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter, include:
- Cork Street (from Brabazon Row to Newmarket)
- Saint John’s Road West (from Custom House Quay, to North Wall Quay, to Cardiff Lane)
- Promenade Road, crossing Bond Drive to Tolka Quay Road and Alexandra Road (Dublin Port)
- The road along the River Liffey extending to Temple Bar, crossing O’Connell Bridge and continuing to North Wall
- N81 (along Wood Quay and extending to Harold’s Cross Road and James’s Street)
- Crossroads around Newtown Court Way-Clarehall Avenue and Malahide Road-Churchwell Drive
- The area encompassing Sir John Rogerson’s Quay and Hanover Quay
- From Custom House Quay, extending along North Wall Quay to Alexandra Road
- Residential area located at the southeast side of Riverston Abbey; intersection of R101 and N3 (Dalymount) extending along R101 to Chesterfield and North Road of Phoenix Park
