Air Quality

National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Network 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for monitoring air quality through the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Network. This measures the levels of different atmospheric pollutants, with over 100 stations monitoring air quality across Ireland.

The pollutants of most concern included particulate matter. There are many sources of particulate matter including vehicle exhaust emissions, soil and road surfaces, construction works and industrial emissions. Particulate matter can be formed from reactions between different pollutant gases. Small particles can penetrate the lungs and cause damage. These are known as PM10 (diameter less than 10µm) and PM2.5 (diameter less than 2.5µm). There are high levels of PM10 in many cities and towns. In smokeless fuel zones, levels of particulate matter decreased after the ban on bituminous coal.

Longford Town air quality

The Air Quality Map shows you if air quality is good, fair, poor or very poor in your region. As part of the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Network, air quality in Longford Town is calculated on an hourly basis from its station located on the Dublin Road. The most recent results for Longford Town air quality can be found here on AirQuality.ie.

Air quality and health

You can find out if air quality is likely to affect your health and what you can do to protect your health on the Air Quality Index for Health Page.

Further information

Further information of air quality in general or specific to your region, visit epa.ie/environment-and-you/air