David Joyce, Director of Services, Cork City Council; Éabha Griffin-Kelly, MTU student; Conor Healy, CEO, Cork Chamber of Commerce; Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Colm Kelleher; Helen Murphy, Cork Business Association; Kevin O’Brien, artist; Debbie Aribasoye, MTU Bishopstown student, and Denise Cahill, Cork Healthy Cities, at the announcement of the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in the centre of Cork city. Photos: Michael O’Sullivan/OSM PHOTO

Clean air zone declared on Leeside

Five air monitors are to be placed around Cork city centre as part of a new Clean Air Zone (CAZ) activity programme.

It comes as the Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Colm Kelleher declared a CAZ in the heart of the city centre which is the the first such designation in an Irish city. Cork’s Clean Air Zone includes Oliver Plunkett Street and adjacent streets.

The new monitors will be placed on the east and west end of Oliver Plunkett Street, on Grand Parade, St Patrick’s St and South Mall by the start of June.

These will measure nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone and particulate matter over time. NOx is a specific measure of pollution attributable to petrol or diesel engines.

Cork City Council has partnered with Cork Healthy Cities, the Centre for Research into Atmospheric Chemistry, UCC’s School of Applied Psychology, Cork Chamber of Commerce and Cork Business Association to declare the CAZ.

Lord Mayor, Cllr Colm Kelleher said: “A Clean Air Zone is another step in making Cork a healthier, more sustainable city. Our vision for Cork’s Clean Air Zone is that it will improve the urban environment to support public health and the local economy, making Cork a more attractive place to live, work, and spend leisure time.”

The rollout of the Clean Air Zone is led by Dr Kevin Ryan, Executive Scientist with Cork City Council. He said: “Clean Air Zones address numerous types of pollution, including nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter. Tailored measures to improve air quality will reduce public exposure to these harmful pollutants.”

To mark the occasion, Cork City Council has commissioned Cork-based artist Kevin O’Brien to create an artwork depicting different aspects of air quality in the city.

Dr Dean Venables from UCC’s Centre for Research into Atmospheric Chemistry welcomed the initiative saying that air pollution causes 1,300 premature deaths every year in Ireland. “Cork’s Clean Air Zone is a major milestone for the city,” he said. “Air pollution is often worst near roads because vehicles are a major source of particles and nitrogen oxides. Pedestrianising this area will result in cleaner air and less traffic noise,” he said.

Denise Cahill, Cork Healthy Cities Co-ordinator said: “We aim to show that improving air quality and reducing the noise and threat from traffic makes the whole space better for everyone, especially for children and the elderly. It’s already a success! Oliver Plunkett and surrounding streets are always buzzing with people because the area feels safe and welcoming to young and old alike.”