EPA launches national ‘Air Quality Forecast’ for Ireland including three stations in Mayo

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced a vital tool to enhance public awareness of air quality conditions in Ireland.

The newly launched national air quality forecast accessible on airquality.ie, offers citizens up-to-date information on expected air quality for the coming three days, categorising it under "Today," "Tomorrow," and the "Day after Tomorrow."

This service provides maps displaying the anticipated daily air quality using the Air Quality Index for Health (AQIH) scale, ranging from 1 to 10.

It also tracks crucial air pollutants such as Particulate Matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3), which significantly affect human health in Ireland.

Mayo is a region where fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) from solid fuel combustion and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from vehicle emissions pose the most substantial threats to public health, this forecast serves as an invaluable resource.

The site enables individuals, particularly those with respiratory conditions like asthma and heart issues, to plan their activities in line with public health recommendations. For instance, it advises reducing physical activity when air pollution levels are expected to be high.

The air quality forecast is generated through advanced computer models developed under the EU LIFE Emerald project, utilising data from Irish and European sources, including air quality measurements, weather forecasts, and land cover information.

This initiative is the result of a collaborative effort between the EPA, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), the Health Service Executive (HSE), VITO, University College Cork (UCC), and the Asthma Society of Ireland.

Ireland, with one of the highest asthma incidence rates in Europe, welcomes this forecast as a valuable resource, benefitting not only those with respiratory conditions but the entire community.