Cork city has set a new standard in Ireland with the declaration of a Clean Air Zone (CAZ).

Becoming the first CAZ designation in an Irish city, Cork's Clean Air Zone includes Oliver Plunkett Street and adjacent streets.

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), ozone and particulate matter over time. NOx is a specific measure of pollution attributable to petrol or diesel engines. 

Cork City Council has partnered 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 to declare the CAZ. The CAZ is just a starting point for this partnership which will see the development of a Play Street in the area and schools-based initiatives to raise awareness.  

Declaring the Clean Air Zone, Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Colm Kelleher said: "This Clean Air Zone is another step in making Cork a healthier, more sustainable city. Our vision for Cork's Clean Air Zone is that it will improve the urban environment to support public health and the local economy, making Cork a more attractive place to live, work, and spend leisure time."

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The rollout of the Clean Air Zone is led by Dr Kevin Ryan, Executive Scientist with Cork City Council.   

Dr Ryan explained that a Clean Air Zone is an area where targeted action is taken to improve air quality, specifically by reducing major sources of pollution. "Clean Air Zones address numerous types of pollution, including nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter. Tailored measures to improve air quality will reduce public exposure to these harmful pollutants," he said.

To mark the occasion, Cork City Council commissioned Cork-based artist, Kevin O'Brien to create an artwork depicting different aspects of air quality in the city.

Denise Cahill, Cork Healthy Cities Co-ordinator commented: "We aim to show that improving air quality and reducing the noise and threat from traffic makes the whole space better for everyone, especially for children and the elderly. It's already a success! Oliver Plunkett and surrounding streets are always buzzing with people because the area feels safe and welcoming to young and old alike."

Cork Chamber CEO, Conor Healy added: "Cork City Council is to be commended for bringing Ireland's first Local Authority Air Quality Strategy 2021 – 2026 to life. Clean air is inextricably linked to the vitality of Cork city as place to do business, live, work, shop and visit. This exemplar for air quality monitoring and evaluation works on two fronts – it supports citizens and businesses to understand air pollution and help mitigate its impacts,  but critically it also strengthens Cork's place as a sustainable and international city of repute."

The Clean Air Zone is a continuation of Cork City Council's innovative air quality programme, which includes developing Ireland's first Local Authority Air Quality Strategy and rolling out an extensive district scale, air monitoring sensor network across the city. The development of this Clean Air Zone is an important initiative in the city's integrated and ambitious environmental agenda to deliver a clean, healthy and sustainable city.