Ireland's Pollution Crisis: A Worrying Development

Ireland has been facing issues with pollution, with approximately 1,200 premature deaths caused by air pollution each year. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has warned about the levels of nitrogen dioxide in the air, which mainly come from engines and power plants. In addition to air pollution, Ireland also faces water pollution, with the River Liffey being susceptible to leaking sewers and industrial pollutants. Furthermore, around 15% of Ireland's lakes are significantly affected by eutrophication, a process commonly caused by human activities such as sewage and fertilizer runoff. Plastic pollution is another concern, with Irish scientists finding plastics in the ocean and waterways. Overall, while Ireland has implemented strategies to reduce pollution, it continues to face challenges in ensuring a clean and healthy environment for its citizens.

Plastic pollution in Ireland's waterways

Ireland's water quality has decreased over the past thirty years, with plastic pollution being a significant contributor. Plastic pollution in Ireland's waterways has detrimental effects on the environment and public health.

One of the main sources of plastic pollution in Ireland's waterways is lost or discarded fishing gear. The 'Circular Ocean' project, funded by the European Regional Development Fund, aims to address this issue by identifying methods to protect marine areas from plastic pollution, specifically targeting lost and discarded fishing gear. The project seeks to raise awareness among coastal communities, industries, and policymakers about the harmful impacts of plastic pollution on the environment and promote the reuse, recycling, and sustainable development in these areas.

Another initiative to combat plastic pollution in Ireland is the LIFE SNaP Ireland project, which is a €33.9 million plan led by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. This project includes the construction of a factory in Limerick that will recycle waste from consumer packaging. The factory will use less energy and water to convert plastic film into new plastic pellets, recycling approximately 11,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually. This factory is intended to serve as a model for future plastic recycling plants across Europe.

Irish Water has also set a target to eliminate all boil water notices in the country by 2021 and reduce the leakage of treated water by 11%. In recent years, there has been an increase in the detection of Cryptosporidium, a parasitic organism, in public water supplies, causing health issues for the population. Irish Water's efforts to improve water treatment processes and infrastructure are crucial steps towards ensuring safe and clean water for all.

Overall, Ireland is taking important steps to address plastic pollution in its waterways, from raising awareness and promoting circular economy initiatives to implementing large-scale recycling projects and improving water treatment processes. These efforts are essential to protect the environment, conserve biodiversity, and ensure the health and well-being of Ireland's citizens.

Air pollution causing premature deaths

Ireland's air pollution problem is partly due to its love affair with diesel cars. In 2016, 71% of new cars were diesel, the highest share of any European country. These cars emit, on average, over six times more nitrogen oxides than allowed by tests in the laboratory. Ireland also has a penchant for open fires, which caused the smogs that plagued Dublin until the 1990s. A smoky coal ban was implemented in 1990, reducing wintertime smoke by 70% and deaths from respiratory problems by 16%. However, Dublin is now facing the problem of wood and peat smoke, which are not banned.

Air pollution is a serious issue that affects the health of people worldwide. Outdoor air pollution, caused by fine particles from factories, power plants, and car exhaust, as well as ozone (the main ingredient of urban smog), can irritate the lungs and make it hard to breathe. It has been linked to asthma, heart attacks, strokes, and cancers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 2.4 billion people are exposed to dangerous levels of household air pollution, and about 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds WHO guideline limits.

Studies have shown a strong association between long-term exposure to air pollution and premature death. Short-term exposure can also be dangerous, especially for older adults. A comprehensive analysis found that when air pollution from fine particles or ozone increased, there was a substantial increase in deaths within a 2-day period. The mortality rate increases almost linearly with air pollution levels, with any level of air pollution being harmful to human health. Those most at risk of premature death due to air pollution are those over 85 years old, female, non-white, or economically disadvantaged.

The Global Burden of Disease study estimated that in 2019, 4.5 million people died prematurely from outdoor air pollution, causing fine particulate matter. Another study by Vohra et al. (2021) estimated that 8.7 million deaths globally in 2018 were due to air pollution caused by burning fossil fuels. This is a significant issue, as burning fossil fuels is a major contributor to climate change.

To reduce air pollution and the associated health risks, policies that support sustainable land use, cleaner household energy and transport, energy-efficient housing, and better municipal waste management are needed. Phasing out fossil fuels and substituting them with clean sources of energy would significantly reduce the number of premature deaths each year.

Nitrogen dioxide levels in cities

Ireland's air pollution is influenced by its geographical location and relationship with diesel cars. Its position in Western Europe means it receives fresh air from the Atlantic, and pollution tends to worsen as you move southeast across the EU. However, Ireland has the highest share of diesel cars in Europe (equalled only by Luxembourg), at 71% in 2016. These cars emit, on average, over six times more nitrogen oxides than their test results indicate.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported on nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels in Ireland. While concentrations have decreased since the second lockdown in 2020, they have rebounded since restrictions have eased, and an emerging trend of increasing levels has been observed. The EPA notes that day-to-day variations in air pollution levels due to weather conditions can be up to 25-30%. The National Ambient Air Quality Network includes roadside stations that monitor NO2 levels in urban, suburban, and rural areas.

In 2019, NO2 concentrations at the Dublin urban traffic site on St. John's Road West were above the EU annual legal limit. However, concentrations in 2020 averaged below this limit due to reduced vehicle usage. The smoky coal ban in Dublin in 1990 was an instant success, reducing wintertime smoke by 70% and deaths from respiratory problems by 16%. This ban has since been extended to 11 other cities, resulting in smoke reductions of 45-76%.

The European Environment Agency has developed a viewer that tracks weekly average NO2 concentrations for member states. This tool allows users to select different pollutants, countries, and cities to monitor air quality. The EPA is working on the National Clean Air Strategy, which aims to be the government's first response to reducing air pollution and promoting cleaner air.

High air pollution in main cities

Ireland's position in the west of Europe means that it is the first in line for fresh air from the Atlantic. Despite this advantage, air pollution in Ireland, especially in its major cities, is a cause for concern. Ireland's PM2.5 reading of 10.60 μg/m³ is a respectable reading of air quality, placing it 77th out of all countries registered worldwide. However, there are still pollutive issues, particularly in urban areas, that need addressing.

Dublin, the capital city, recorded a good PM2.5 reading of 10.6 μg/m³ in 2019, ranking it 2357th out of all cities worldwide. Despite this relatively positive ranking, Dublin, like other Irish cities, faces challenges in maintaining good air quality. A nationwide smoky coal ban was implemented due to the harmful effects of open fires, which caused smogs and respiratory issues. While this ban resulted in significant improvements in Dublin and other cities, with smoke reductions of up to 76%wood and peat smoke from fireplaces and home stoves, which are not banned.

In addition to the issue of smoke from solid fuel burning, vehicle emissions contribute significantly to air pollution in Irish cities. Ireland has a high proportion of diesel cars, with 71% of new cars in 2016 being diesel, the highest share in Europe, along with Luxembourg. These diesel cars have been found to emit over six times more nitrogen oxides on the road than in laboratory tests. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a major pollutant arising from vehicle emissions, and it can cause irritation to the lungs and throat while triggering asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Other cities in Ireland have also experienced high levels of air pollution. Ennis, Co Clare, recorded the highest PM10 level in the country, more than three times the recommended safety limit. Tralee, Co Kerry, also exceeded the daily limit for particulate matter on 14 days. Other areas with relatively high readings include Ringsend in Dublin, Edenderry, Co Offaly, Longford Town, Macroom, Co Cork, and Letterkenny, Co Donegal.

Overall, while Ireland's air quality is considered good compared to many other countries, there are specific issues in its main cities, such as Dublin and Ennis, that need to be addressed. The use of solid fuels, vehicle emissions, and geographical factors contribute to high air pollution levels in these urban areas, impacting the health and well-being of residents.

Water pollution from leaking sewers

While the quality of water in Ireland is still quite good compared to other countries, water pollution is a pressing issue that has affected the everyday lives and health of people in the country. Water pollution from leaking sewers is a significant concern, with a history of incidents causing harm to aquatic life and humans.

One of the most common causes of fish kills in Ireland is untreated sewage. In 1996, a large number of fish died in the Dodder River in Dublin due to industrial waste being discharged into the river. This incident highlighted the dangers of industrial effluents contaminating water bodies and the need for better sewage treatment processes.

In October 2007, the Laois County Council was prosecuted following a fish kill on the Owenass River. This incident was attributed to discharges from the Council's Sewage Treatment Works at Mountmellick, further emphasizing the impact of sewage leaks on water quality.

To address these issues, Irish Water has set a target to eliminate all boil water notices in the country by 2021 and reduce the leakage of treated water by 11%. This draft plan aims to improve water management services over the next 25 years and reduce the impact of water pollution from leaking sewers in Ireland.

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