It’s claimed the provision of active travel infrastructure is urgently needed in Ennis to safeguard public health.
It comes as EPA figures show the county has recorded more breaches in national air quality standards than any other urban centre nationwide by far over the last two years.
The birds are chirping in the skies of Ennis this lunchtime, but questions remain over just how clean the air is in the county town.
Since January of 2022, the level of a fine particulate matter called PM10 has exceeded national air quality standards there on 39 occasions, with six occurrences this year already, all of which were in January.
PM10 contains dioxins and carcinogenic heavy metals, and is known to cause long-term damage to the lungs and heart when inhaled.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, its dominant source stems from domestic fuel burning, while vehicle emissions play a lesser role.
A Clare Green Party representative believes getting more cars off the road will be key to solving any pollution problems in Ennis.
According to the latest census results, over 8,200 people are walking to work in Clare every day and 933 people cycle, but overall this makes up just 11% of the county’s working population.
In February, the National Transport Authority granted €2.4m in funding for five active travel projects in the county town.
Ennis Green Party local election candidate, Bridget Ginnity believes the delivery of these schemes must be expedited to give people an incentive not to drive into the town centre to improve air quality.
You can listen to the full interview below.
