Air quality concern leads to major Edenderry study
A pilot study on air quality is being conducted in Edenderry.
The move is part of an initiative by Offaly County Council, the HSE Public Health Unit and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications.
The clean air initiative was developted after air pollution levels in the town of Edenderry over recent years were identified by Environmental Protection Agency monitoring as a matter for concern.
Offaly County Council has advised that, as part of this study on clean air, locals may notice activity around the town this week as air monitoring sensors are erected.
An anonymous household survey is to be carried out on behalf of Offaly County Council today, Friday and tomorrow, Saturday, and the council is encouraging people who receive the survey to engage with the process.
Further surveys are to be carried out the following weekend, Friday and Saturday, November 22 and 23.
Information posters are also being erected and information leaflets will be delivered to households.
The surveys are beign conducted following €80,000 funding from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, which is ringfenced for an awareness and education campaign, including a household survey, air quality monotiring and analysis and a communications initiative with the local community.
The objective of this project is to gain insight into what’s happening at a local level on air quality in Edenderry, including around fuel burning in residential settings.
The project comprises three stages.
The first involves the placing of 16 sensors in various locations around Edenderry to capture air quality data for air monitoring on Wednesday, November 13.
These sensors will remain in place until April 2025 to gather data.
The second stage involves the anonymous household surveys.
The third stage will comprise further engagement with the local community in Edenderry, whhich will be rolled out over the coming months to increase awareness about this important issue.
The project will continue into 2025. it is envisaged that the study will inform an option analysis to reduce particulate matter air pollution by reducing domestic/solid fuel burning/emissions.
To find out more about this air quality monitoring project, please contact the Climate Action, Environment and Rural Water Section of Offaly County Council on 057 935 7403 or email environment@offalycoco.ie