Cork city centre is now the first Clean Air Zone in Ireland (and a Play Street is coming soon)
Take a big gulp of that fresh Cork air next time you’re in town.
The Lord Mayor has declared the heart of Cork city centre a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) – the first such designation in an Irish city.
Cork’s Clean Air Zone includes 18 permanently pedestrianised streets in an area where targeted action is taken to improve air quality, specifically by reducing major sources of pollution.
As part of the CAZ activity programme, five air monitors are to 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) a specific measure of pollution attributable to petrol or diesel engines, ozone and particulate matter over time.
Plans for a more kid-friendly Cork
A Play Street will also be developed in the coming months as part of Cork City Council partnership 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.
The Play Street is one of a number of innovative and fun initiatives that will form part of the rollout of the Clean Air Zone, which is being led by Dr Kevin Ryan, Executive Scientist with Cork City Council.
“Clean Air Zones address numerous types of pollution, including nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter,” said Dr Ryan.
“Tailored measures to improve air quality will reduce public exposure to these harmful pollutants.”
Dr Dean Venables from UCC’s Centre for Research into Atmospheric Chemistry welcomed the announcement, 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”.
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.
