Meghan Hodges
Ireland has a good quality of air, with a PM2.5 reading of 10.60 μg/m³ in 2019, which placed it 77th out of all countries worldwide. The capital, Dublin, had a similar reading of 10.6 μg/m³, which was the highest in the country and placed it 2357th worldwide. However, there are still areas for improvement, especially in addressing issues such as vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and water contamination. Dublin, as the largest city in Ireland, faces pollution challenges due to its growing population and various industries. While Ireland's water quality remains good compared to other countries, there have been incidents of pollution, including the detection of Cryptosporidium in public water supplies and fish kills caused by untreated sewage and industrial waste. Overall, Ireland's pollution levels are relatively well-managed, but continuous efforts are needed to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| PM2.5 reading in 2019 | 10.60 μg/m³ |
| Ireland's rank in PM2.5 reading | 77th out of all countries |
| Dublin's PM2.5 reading in 2019 | 10.6 μg/m³ |
| Dublin's rank in PM2.5 reading | 2357th out of all cities ranked worldwide; 1st in Ireland |
| World Health Organization's target goal for PM2.5 | 10 μg/m³ or less |
| Main sources of air pollution | Vehicular emissions, industrial emissions, fossil fuel combustion |
| Water pollution incidents | 1996 fish kill in Dodder River, Dublin; 2007 outbreak of Cryptosporidium in County Galway |
| Water contamination in 2018 | Cryptosporidium detected in 25 public water supplies |
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What You'll Learn
Ireland's air quality is good compared to other countries
Ireland has relatively good air quality compared to other countries. In 2019, Ireland had a PM2.5 reading of 10.60 μg/m³, which falls into the "'good'" ratings bracket. This reading placed Ireland 77th out of all countries registered worldwide, with only slightly higher readings than Switzerland and the Netherlands. Dublin, the capital city of Ireland, had a similar reading of 10.6 μg/m³ in 2019, ranking 2357th out of all cities worldwide.
PM2.5 refers to particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter and is a major component used in calculating overall air quality. Due to its incredibly small size, it presents a significant danger to human health. Ireland's relatively low PM2.5 readings indicate that the country has good air quality compared to many other nations.
However, it is important to note that there are still areas for improvement in Ireland's air quality. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a target goal of 10 μg/m³ or less for cleaner air quality. Ireland has various sources of pollution, including vehicular emissions, industrial emissions, and fossil fuel usage, which contribute to higher readings of contaminants and fine particulate matter in the air. These sources of pollution can vary across different regions within the country.
Despite these challenges, Ireland's geographical and meteorological traits work in its favor. The country lacks the extreme temperatures that can lead to increased energy consumption for heating or cooling, which helps keep pollution levels relatively low. Overall, while Ireland has work to do to reach the WHO target, its air quality is generally good compared to many other countries.
In addition to its air quality, Ireland also performs well in terms of water quality when compared to other countries. While there have been incidents of water pollution and a decrease in water quality over the past thirty years, the latest reports indicate that the quality of water in Ireland is still quite good on a global scale.
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Dublin is the most polluted city in Ireland
Ireland has a good quality of air, with a PM2.5 reading of 10.60 μg/m³, which is considered a "good" rating. In 2019, Ireland was ranked 77th out of all countries worldwide in terms of air pollution. However, there are still some pollution issues that need addressing, particularly in the capital city of Dublin.
One of the main sources of pollution in Dublin is vehicular emissions from the large number of cars, trucks, lorries, and buses on the road. In addition, the city is home to several factories and industrial areas that utilise fossil fuels, releasing pollutants into the air and water supplies. These emissions contribute to the overall pollution levels in Dublin.
The months of February and March are typically the most polluted in Dublin, with higher readings of PM2.5. During these months, the city's PM2.5 levels can reach up to 14.4 μg/m³ and 23.6 μg/m³, respectively. August is typically the cleanest month, with a PM2.5 reading of 4.9 μg/m³ in 2019.
While Dublin's air pollution levels are not dangerously high, it is important to address the issues to improve the quality of life for its citizens, especially those who are young, elderly, immunocompromised, or expectant mothers. Lowering the yearly average of PM2.5 levels to below 10 μg/m³, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), would be a positive step towards cleaner air in Dublin and Ireland as a whole.
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Vehicular emissions are a major cause of pollution
Ireland's overall air quality is considered good, with a PM2.5 reading of 10.60 μg/m³ in 2019, placing it 77th out of all countries worldwide. This reading is within the ''good' ratings bracket, which ranges from 10 to 12 μg/m³. However, Ireland still faces challenges in reducing pollution to meet the World Health Organization's (WHO) target of 10 μg/m³ or less.
Vehicular emissions are a significant contributor to pollution in Ireland, particularly in populated cities and busy areas. The numerous cars, trucks, lorries, and buses on the road, many of which run on diesel fuel, release large amounts of pollutants into the atmosphere. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) are major pollutants emitted from vehicles, with nitrogen dioxide being the most prevalent due to its high release from vehicle engines. It is a chemical compound that can irritate the lungs and throat and trigger asthma and other respiratory issues.
Transport is the largest source of energy-related CO2eq emissions in Ireland, accounting for 34% of these emissions in 2023. This sector includes international aviation and maritime transport, which contribute significantly to the country's emissions. While Ireland's energy-related emissions decreased by 8.3% from 2022 to 2023, the transport sector showed an increase of 0.3%, highlighting the ongoing challenge of reducing vehicular emissions.
In addition to vehicular emissions, Ireland's pollution is also attributed to emissions from factories and industrial areas, which often burn fossil fuels and release fine particulate matter into the air. Agricultural emissions, dominated by methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), are also a significant contributor to Ireland's pollution, especially when compared to other EU countries. Ireland's geographical traits, such as mountains, hills, and flat plains, can sometimes lead to a lack of wind, causing pollution to build up in certain areas.
To address the issue of vehicular emissions, Ireland has set targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By 2030, the country aims to decrease its emissions by at least 42% compared to 2005 levels. This includes focusing on sectors outside the Emissions Trading Scheme, such as agriculture, transport, and residential areas, to achieve a low-carbon economy.
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Industrial emissions and fossil fuels contribute to pollution
Ireland's air quality is considered good, with a PM2.5 reading of 10.60 μg/m³ in 2019. However, there are still areas for improvement, especially regarding industrial emissions and fossil fuels.
Industrial emissions are a significant contributor to pollution in Ireland. Factories and industrial areas, which often rely on fossil fuels such as coal for energy, release pollution and fine particulate matter into the air. Additionally, industrial activities can result in water pollution, as seen in the 1996 fish kill in the Dodder River in Dublin caused by industrial waste.
The burning of fossil fuels, particularly in the non-ETS sector (including homes and cars), is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland. Carbon dioxide (CO2), produced by burning fossil fuels, is the most dominant greenhouse gas. While electricity generation and households are also significant contributors to CO2 emissions, Ireland's emissions profile differs from other countries due to its lower levels of heavy industry and higher use of carbon-intensive fuels in residential settings.
Agriculture is another key source of emissions in Ireland, particularly methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). These gases contribute to the country's overall greenhouse gas emissions, which have shown a downward trend in recent years, with a 3.3% decrease from 1990 to 2023.
To tackle these issues, Ireland has set targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The country aims to achieve a 42% reduction in emissions by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, and companies in the Emissions Trading System (ETS) are committed to a collective reduction of 62% by 2030. These efforts are part of Ireland's transition towards a low-carbon economy.
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Water quality has decreased over the last 30 years
While the quality of water in Ireland is still quite good compared to other countries, water quality has decreased over the last 30 years. This decline is attributed to various factors, including human activities and environmental changes.
One of the main issues affecting water quality in Ireland is the impact of human activities. Activities such as agriculture, urban and domestic wastewater treatment, industry, and roads contribute to the deterioration of water bodies. For example, nutrients from agricultural practices are considered a significant pressure on vulnerable watercourses, accounting for about 50% of the impacted sites. Inadequate wastewater treatment and septic tank systems also play a role, affecting approximately 29% of vulnerable waters.
Climate change has also exacerbated the problem by increasing the frequency and intensity of storms, leading to heavier rainfall and droughts. These extreme weather events put a strain on water supplies and make it more challenging for Ireland to maintain and enhance water quality.
The introduction of invasive species has further contributed to the decline in water quality. The zebra mussel, a non-native species introduced to the Shannon Estuary in the 1990s, has altered nutrient cycles and disrupted the food chain. These mussels can attach themselves to boats and watercraft, and their presence can impact water delivery to industries, power plants, and fish hatcheries.
Water contamination incidents have also occurred due to hazardous waste spills, untreated sewage, and industrial effluents. In 1996, a significant fish kill event in the Dodder River in Dublin was attributed to industrial waste discharge. Similar incidents have taken place in other rivers, highlighting the ongoing challenges in maintaining water quality.
To address these issues, organizations like Irish Water have set targets to improve water treatment processes and reduce the need for boil water notices. However, there is still much work to be done to restore Ireland's water quality to its previous standards and protect the country's vital water resources.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2019, Ireland had a PM2.5 reading of 10.60 μg/m³, which is considered a 'good' rating. This placed Ireland 77th out of all countries registered worldwide.
Vehicular emissions are a major source of air pollution in Ireland, particularly in highly populated cities with busy roads. Factories and other industrial areas are also a significant source of pollution, especially those that utilise fossil fuels.
Although the quality of water in Ireland is considered good compared to other countries, it has decreased over the past thirty years. Water pollution incidents have included hazardous waste spills, untreated sewage, agricultural waste, and industrial effluents. There have also been issues with the detection of harmful parasites in public water supplies.
