Concerns have been raised after the recent rise in air pollution throughout Ireland.

The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) published a report which revealed that towns where significant quantities of smoky fuels are burnt, exceeding air pollution limits for particulates.

Green Party Spokesperson on the Environment, Michael Callaghan said: "Particulate matter (PM10) concentrations in Enniscorthy Ennis and Cork have been above daily limits for the last three days. Although Ennis is supposedly a smoke control town, the air pollution data demonstrates that people there are burning smoky fuels. The same may be happening in Cork, but pollution from traffic, especially diesel vehicles is contributing also.

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"The EPA should immediately notify the public of this pollution episode and ask people not to burn smoky fuels. We call on Minister Naughten to ensure the speedy roll out of the 'smoky fuel' ban across the country. Ministers Naughten and Ross must also take urgent steps to reduce the number of motor vehicles, especially diesels, accessing our towns - or give local authorities the power to act if they won't."

(CD/LM)