Concern expressed over poor Longford air quality

Residents in Longford town are being exposed to unhealthy and potentially unsafe pollution levels over a period of time from fine particulate matter.

The EPA has said the risk of health problems like heart disease, asthma, and low birth weight increase from breathing in unhealthy levels of PM2.5m, the finest and most hazardous material.

Longford's level of 9.2 microgrammes exceeds the recommended World Health Organization air quality limit of 5mg per metre cubed.

The town is also very close to breaching planned recommended European levels, with a new directive later this year due to set a 10mg target for 2030.

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EPA Scientific officer David Kelleghan, who assessed the Longford figures, provided his reaction and expressed some concerns.

"PM10 in Longford is not a concern, but PM2.5 is over the WHO air quality limit, which is set at 5 microgrammes per metre cubed for the annual mean," Mr Kelleghan stated. "So, based on the WHO figures that is a concentration that would have a health affect impact."

Significant unhealthy levels can also reduce visibility and lead to the air appearing hazy and PM10 levels are highest in our towns and villages due largely to the burning of solid fuel.

Mr Kelleghan explained that PM2.5 is worse and causes more health-related damage than PM10.

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"The reason for that is because it is so much smaller and when you breathe them in they go through your lungs, your bloodstream and it's not just pulmonary issues, they cause cardiac issues as well such as blood clots, heart attacks," he said.

"There is research that shows hospital admissions increase after air quality events in Ireland with these health issues, they all go up when you are exposed."

Ireland has the highest incidence rate of asthma in Europe and it is estimated that there are 1,600 premature deaths in Ireland annually due to particulate matter.

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The EPA report said Ireland needs to tackle solid fuel burning and transport emissions to meet Clear Air Strategy ambition and protect public health.

The EPA has expanded Ireland’s air quality monitoring network to include 115 monitoring stations, up from 29 in 2017, and now provides real-time monitoring and forecasting on airquality.ie.

The EPA has stressed local authorities' need to facilitate proactive choices on both home heating and travel through strong application of the Solid Fuel Regulations and supporting alternatives to car travel.

Former Longford Green Party local election candidate Catherine Joseph, who is now an independent, stated the data is concerning.

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"What is clear from this report is that Longford County Council, and indeed all local representatives, must take more decisive and proactive action," she said. "We are lagging behind on critical environmental and health issues, and this is reflected in our air quality data. The Council should be enforcing the solid fuel regulations with greater rigour."