Concerns raised over air quality affected by cars on the school run

THE Green Party has called on the Minister for Transport to address an increase in air pollution caused by idling vehicles.

The party’s Spokesperson for Transport, Cllr Patrick Costello, investigated the air quality at schools during term time by placing air monitors at different periods to monitor the pollution.

The results showed the impact of the school run on air quality.

One monitor result showed an increase of 117 per cent at Scoil Iosogain on the Aughavannagh Road.

 “This test shows only NO2 but would indicate that there is also a rise in the other pollutants associated with car traffic,” Cllr Costello said.

“It is estimated by the EPA that there are 1,180 premature deaths each year due to air pollution.

“Children’s lungs are more vulnerable so the fact that these increases are outside schools is an additional concern.”

Cllr Costello added:  “We need to invest in safe routes to schools for children and young people, better cycling infrastructure, quiet-ways, and improved pedestrian crossings.

“In the last council term, I proposed a ‘School Streets’ initiative for Dublin City Council.

“This has been a major success in the UK and recently too in Malahide. They limit the traffic that is allowed to pass by schools and creates a safer, cleaner route to school.

“The minister needs to roll this initiative out nationwide and increase investment into more sustainable and cleaner transport to ensure the health of this generation and the next.”

 Ten monitors were placed across Dublin South Central. The findings of the increase in pollution indicate 117 per cent at Scoil Iosagain, Aughavannagh Road, 92.50 per cent at Warrenmount Primary, 70.69 per cent at Basin View (outside CBS James' St), 32 per cent at Inchicore National School (rear), 17 per cent at Ballyfermot Road (St Gabriel’s Primary), 34 per cent at Convent Lawns (St Dominc's College), 58 per cent at Le Fanu Road (St John’s College De La Salle), 38 per cent at Our Lady of Mercy Secondary, 63 per cent at Our Lady of Good Counsel, and 85 per cent at Kilnamanagh Road (Assumption Junior and Secondary).

The tests involved diffusion tubes that measure levels of Nitrous Oxide, manufactured by Gradko and purchased from London Sustainability Exchange. 

The tubes are put out for a period, taken down and sent to Gradko who return the results.

A spokesperson for the Department of Transport said air quality is an issue of increasing social concern in Ireland.

“This department has been strongly engaged with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment. The first ever All-of-Government National Clean Air Strategy is currently being developed by that department.

“The strategy, to which this department has contributed on transport-specific elements, will provide the framework for a set of integrated cross-Government policies and actions aimed at reducing harmful air.”