Green Party TD Brian Leddin is calling on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to release its report on air pollution in Limerick, following an incident at the cement factory that occurred in early September, and to install more air quality monitors. Despite the EPA stating a month ago that it was investigating, no findings have yet been made public, leaving residents in nearby residential communities of Mungret, Dooradoyle, and Raheen without clear answers.
EPA monitoring revealed that during the incident, PM10 levels soared to 1,332.77 µg/m³, more than 50 times the limit set by EU air quality standards. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was recorded at 198.19 µg/m³, nearly 10 times above the threshold. These levels of pollution, linked to respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, have raised serious concerns among local communities.
Local community members are also calling for greater enforcement of environmental regulations to prevent future incidents and protect the well-being of Limerick’s citizens.
"I have received requests for more air pollution monitors to be installed, particularly on the west side of the city. The prevailing winds can skew the results when we have so few data collection points, and more recording can allow us to detect issues before they become critical,” Leddin added.
Leddin is also urging Limerick City and County Council to establish the community liaison committee without delay: “Additional air quality monitors across the city and regular communication with the community are needed urgently to give local residents confidence that issues will be detected.”