Ireland’s Expert
Air Quality
Monitoring Company

Each year, an estimated 1,410 people die prematurely in Ireland due to poor air pollution. 1,300 of these are directly linked to burning solid fuel such as coal or wood.

In January 2024, RT Smart Data and their partners Airly worked closely in collaboration with Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Council to provide a number of outdoor air quality sensors to improve the understanding of local air quality in the region.

Airly is a global leader in air quality intelligence, turning real-time data into actionable insights for healthier communities, smarter cities, and more sustainable businesses. Their end-to-end solutions empower local authorities, enterprises, and institutions to measure, analyse and act on air pollution, driving visible change and stronger ESG impact.

The sensors are specifically designed to measure crucial air pollutants such as Particulate Matter (PM) and Nitrogen Dioxide, as well as providing real-time weather data.

• PM 10 and PM2.5 Monitoring will measure particulate matter of different sizes, offering a comprehensive analysis of Air Quality.
• Nitrogen Dioxide Measurement tracks the nitrogen dioxide levels for assessing the impact of vehicular emissions and industrial activities on Air Quality.

All data is provided in real time with an up-to-the-minute overview of air quality conditions in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown.

The data from all sensors is available to the public to view on the AIRLY APP.

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (dlr) is pleased to announce the successful roll out of air quality sensors across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, further improving our understanding of local air quality. Currently, four sensors are available, with more to be added in the coming weeks. These new sensors, in addition to the two already in place, are specifically designed to measure crucial air pollutants such as Particulate Matter (PM) and Nitrogen Dioxide, as well as providing real-time weather data. With the installation of these sensors, we aim to foster a collaborative effort towards cleaner and healthier air quality for all.

An Cathaoirleach Councillor Denis O’Callaghan said: “We are proud to contribute to the enhancement of air quality monitoring in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. By deploying these air quality sensors, we aim to empower the community with accurate and timely information, fostering a collaborative effort towards a cleaner and healthier environment.”

The data collected will empower people who live, work, and visit the county with insights into air quality, aiding in the development of informed decisions and proactive measures to address air pollution concerns. Key features of the air quality sensors include:

• PM10 and PM2.5 Monitoring: The sensors will measure particulate matter of different sizes, offering a comprehensive analysis of air quality.
• Nitrogen Dioxide Measurement: Tracking nitrogen dioxide levels is crucial for assessing the impact of vehicular emissions and industrial activities on air quality.
• Real-time Reporting: The data collected by the sensors will be accessible in real-time, providing an up-to-the-minute overview of air quality conditions in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.

Frank Curran, Chief Executive Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council highlighted: “We recognise the imperative to improve air quality in our County. While air quality is generally good, the World Health Organisation (WHO) air quality guideline levels are a long-term target we are working towards. We will achieve this through implementation of active travel initiatives and advocate for a modal shift towards sustainable transportation. By prioritising walking, cycling, and public transit, we not only improve air quality and foster a healthier, more vibrant community. In addition, through awareness raising and enforcement of legislation we can enable people to make informed decisions about how they heat their homes and the effect this can have on local air quality. Together, through collaborative efforts and a shared vision for clean air, we can pave the way towards a healthier and more sustainable future for all.”