Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do about Air Pollution?

Although the air is much cleaner in this country than in the more industrialised European countries, the problem of air pollution is evident in many of our larger cities. A member of the public will usually experience air pollution in the form of smoke from open air burning, fumes/odours from commercial or industrial processes or dust from building activities.

Your local authority is responsible for air quality and enforces the Air Pollution Act.  In some Local Authorities Environmental Health Officers are responsible for measuring and controlling the air pollution from commercial and industrial sources and investigating complaints.

In the event of being effected by an air pollutant you can:

• Contact your Local Authority and make a complaint to the relevant department and/or Environmental Health Officer.
• Do log the date and time you are being affected by the air pollution particularly illegal backyard burning which may take place outside of normal office hours.
• You will be required to give the exact details of the complaint including the correct address.  Anonymous complaints are not usually accepted as further information may be required from the complainant following the initial report in order to fully investigate the complaint.
• In the event that an air pollution nuisance is established, the polluter will be advised of the problem and asked to desist with whatever activity is causing the nuisance or implement controls to limit or prevent the pollution.
• If co-operation is not achieved informally, then an Air Pollution Notice may be served on the polluter, formally directing them to limit or prevent the air pollution and implement measures to achieve this.
• Failure to comply with an Air Pollution Notice may result in the initiating of Court proceedings.

The Local Authority cannot make any commitment as to whether or not an enforcement action will be taken as a result of your complaint.  Every effort will be made to fully investigate a complaint and establish nuisance. 

However, it is possible that the investigating officer will not be able to establish nuisance and may not be able to take your complaint any further.