Air Quality Overview
Air Pollution can have a determinantal effect on the health of people, particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, infants and people with respiratory illness. Section 4 of the Air Pollution Act 1997 defines Air Pollution as follows “a condition of the atmosphere in which a pollutant is present in such a quantity as to be liable to (i) be injurious to public health, or (ii) have a deleterious effect on flora or fauna or damage property, or (iii) impair or interfere with amenities or with the environment.
Local Authorities have various powers under this Act including the issuing of notices under Sections 26 & 27 of the Air Pollution Act 1997 requiring measures to be taken to prevent or limit air pollution.
Leitrim County Council is responsible for dealing with the following air quality monitoring activities:
- Illegal burning of waste
- Odour nuisance
- Emissions from commercial activities i.e. Deco Paint Regulations (European Union (Paints, Varnishes, Vehicle Refinishing Products and Activities) Regulations 2012 (SI No 564/2012)) and Solvent Regulations (European Union (Installations and Activities Using Organic Solvents) Regulations 2012 (SI No 565/2012)).
- Ambient Air Quality
- Marketing, sale, distribution and burning of specified fuels i.e. Solid Fuel Regulations (Air Pollution Act 1987 (Solid Fuels) Regulations 2022 (SI No 529 of 2022)).
To make a complaint:
Should you wish to make a complaint about air pollution or odour nuisance you can do so by email or phone (relevant contact details here).
We advise that you keep a detailed log of any nuisance that you are experiencing to include the date, time, location, and weather conditions (including wind direction).