Cork City Council seek public's participation in 'Clean Air Night' 

Cork City Council are inviting people to play their role in reducing air pollution on Friday January 24 next on Clean Air Night.

By reducing solid fuel burning in their stoves or fireplaces, or by lighting their fires a little later in the evening, the local authority are looking for the people of Cork to make a difference.

According to Cork City Council, every winter for the residents of the city, air quality issues come to the fore. 

During this time of the year, the annual increase in the burning of fossil fuels, along with winter atmospheric conditions, combine to negatively impact the air quality levels in Cork city, they added.

On the issue of reducing air pollution, Cork City Council works in close partnership with the Centre for Research into Atmospheric Chemistry (CRAC) and the School of Applied Psychology at University College Cork, as well as Cork Healthy Cities.

In a statement Cork City Council said: “Burning solid fuels; coal, peat, briquettes, and wood, releases pollutants into the air both inside and outside our homes. Data from the European Environment Agency shows that air pollution can have negative impacts on our health, especially our lungs and hearts, with air pollution contributing to 1,600 premature deaths in Ireland annually.

“Cork City Council has outlined seven themes in its City Air Quality Strategy, under which improvements are being progressed to contribute to overall healthier air in the Cork city area.

“Cork City Council is cognisant of the issues surrounding energy poverty and is aware that some households may need to light their fires or stoves for heating purposes, especially during cold periods. 

“Many residents rely on solid fuel to maintain adequate levels of heat in their homes.

“Participation in Clean Air Night is completely voluntary and is part of ongoing initiatives to raise awareness about the wider health issues of air pollution.”

For further information on Clean Air Night and simple steps people can make for cleaner air, visit www.cleanairnight.ie.