Air Pollution

Air Pollution Control

The legislation and regulations governing air quality in Ireland are as follows:

Air Pollution Act, 1987, Air Quality Standards Regulations of 2002 and The Marketing, Sales and Distribution  of Fuels Regulations, 1998.  The text of this legislation can be viewed online in the Irish Statute Book available on www.irishstatutebook.ie

Air Pollution Licences

Local Authorities are empowered under this legislation to licence certain classes of activities which may give rise to air emissions.  Activities qualifying for an Air Pollution Licence are as listed in Schedule 3 of the 1987 Air Pollution Act, and it is the responsibility of the Local Authority to control and condition such activities.

Statutory Notices

Section 26 of the Air Pollution Act 1987, allows Local Aithorities to issue statutory notices requiring "measures to be taken to prevent or limit air pollution" and give a time limit for these measures to be taken.

Odours from Landspreading

Laois County Council acknowledges that landspreading of agriculture slurries is a normal part of agricultural practices, and that some level of odour can be expected from slurry spreading.  All slurry spreading must be carried out in accordance with the Nitrates Directive (S.I. No. 378 of 2006 European Communities (Good Agricultureal Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006).

Smoke and Sulphar Dioxide 

Moving away from the use of smoky coals with a high smoke and sulphur-dioxide content is intended to improve air quality by replacement with smokeless fuels in urban areas.  There is a large selection of high quality smokeless products available.  Smokeless coals will ensure better air quality in our Urban Environment .  To Help the environment - Simply burn smokeless!