A new study by UCD and DCU academics has found high levels of nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter across Dublin’s inner city, with particularly high concentrations on Cork Street, along the Quays, on O’Connell Street and in the area around Temple Bar (see table below).
The data showed that during the sampling period, 49.4% of days exceeded World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for NO₂ levels, with peaks during rush hours, especially in winter.
The data was collected as part of the Google Air View project, using electric Google Street View cars equipped with air sensors. It was collected over a period of 16 months, from May 2021 to August 2022 (the data analysed was over a period of 12 months May 2021 May 2022.)
The study highlights the potential for a mobile monitoring approach to investigate the hyperlocal distribution of air pollutants in Dublin. This monitoring and mapping would allow for a comprehensive understanding of the air pollution within Dublin city, thereby enabling real-time
information about the exposure level and hotspots for further air quality management and public awareness.
The study was carried out by Dr Jiayao Chen, Dr Anna Mölter, Dr José Pablo Gómez‑Barrón and Prof Francesco Pilla from UCD’s School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy and Dr David O’Connor from DCU’s School of Chemical Sciences.
Recent research evidence highlighted there was no safe level of air pollutants to cause
adverse effects, with poor air quality linked to rises in asthma, chronic obstructive airway disease and heart failure.
‘Top 10’ highly polluted areas (high levels of nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter)
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1. |
Cork Street, extending from Brabazon Row to Newmarket* |
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2. |
Saint John’s Road West; from Custom House Quay, running along North Wall Quay to Cardiff Lane |
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3. |
O’Connell Street Upper; from Promenade Rode, crossing Bond Drive to Tolka Quay Road and Alexandra Road (Dublin Port) |
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4. |
Road along River Liffey extends to Temple Bar, crosses O’Connell Bridge and continues to the North Wall |
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5. |
N81 along the Wood Quay and extends to Harold’s Cross Road; James’s Street |
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6. |
Crossroad around Newtown Court way-Clarehall Avenue and Malahide Road-Churchwell Drive |
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7. |
The vicinity area encompassing Sir John Rogerson’s Quay and Hanover Quay |
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8. |
From Custom House Quay, extends along North Wall Quay to Alexandra Road |
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9. |
Cork Street following Brabazon Row to Newmarket* |
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10. |
Residential area located at the southeast side of Riverston Abbey; intersection of R101 and N3 (Dalymount), extends along R101 to Chesterfield and North Road of Phoenix Park |
*Note: entries 1 and 9 on the table refer to the same area, which registered a high level of pollution twice during the period of the study
Speaking about the study, Dr Jiayao Chen from University College Dublin’s School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy said
“Traffic pollution is a critical issue in urban cities, often contributing to or exacerbating environmental or social-economic inequalities. Hyper-local monitoring at community level using Google Street Vehicle car provides reliable data that is comparable to traditional fixed site monitoring stations.
"We uncovered distinct spatial and temporal patterns in two major pollutants associated with traffic - fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Our finding represents a unique case for Dublin, on highly polluted days domestic heating emerged as the dominant contributor to PM2.5 at street level.
"Our research emphasises the need for detailed temporal guidance, especially for vulnerable populations, to help guide safe indoor and outdoor activities. With the EU recently introducing stricter air quality guidelines, our findings underscore the need for long-term, localised monitoring to inform strategic mitigation plans tailored to both local and regional scales.”
Dr David O’Connor from Dublin City University’s School of Chemical Sciences said
“As more cities adopt hyperlocal sensing, the potential to create healthier urban environments grows. Localised air quality data provides the foundation for tailored, evidence-based policy solutions that can tackle pollution at its source, particularly in high-risk and vulnerable areas.
"Hyperlocal monitoring thus represents not only a technological advance but also a shift toward a more targeted, community-focused approach to environmental management. By addressing the unique pollution dynamics of each city, hyperlocal sensing has the power to drive meaningful improvements in air quality and urban health around the world.”
