Plea to keep city air clean

THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is asking households and businesses in Dublin not to damage the air during their Halloween celebrations.

EPA Scientific Officer, Martin Doyle, has also warned that celebrating Halloween should not be seen an opportunity to burn household waste on bonfires.

“Burning of household waste either in the open or in domestic fires is illegal and can emit highly toxic substances into the air, which can stay in the environment for years,” he said.

“Many Dublin residents and local businesses may also not realise it is illegal to store or gather waste for bonfires. The stockpiling of waste could lead to a court appearance and hefty fines.

“Let’s celebrate Halloween by making sure everyone can enjoy the night of ghouls and ghosts by keeping Dublin air clean.”

Real-time air quality results for Dublin are available on the EPA website at www.airquality.epa.ie. Results are updated hourly.