PEACE-Air · Work Package 2

About This Platform

This dashboard is the data platform for Work Package 2 (WP2): Transport-Related Air Pollution of the PEACE-Air project. It brings together measurements from low-cost sensor networks deployed across cross-border locations on the island of Ireland, giving researchers, local authorities, schools and communities clear, accessible insight into the air they breathe.

About PEACE-Air

PEACE-Air (Partnership for Evidence and Action on Clean Air) is a cross-border initiative working across Ireland and Northern Ireland to improve air quality and protect public health and the natural environment. Supported by the PEACEPLUS Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), the project unites local authorities, universities, environmental agencies, public health bodies and communities to tackle shared air pollution challenges through collaboration, research and evidence-based action.
Air pollution does not recognise borders. Emissions in one jurisdiction can affect communities in another, yet air quality has traditionally been managed separately North and South. PEACE-Air is the first project of its kind to address this through a fully integrated, all-island partnership, combining advanced scientific research with practical policy support and community engagement.
The project focuses on the three pollution sources with the greatest impact on health and the environment:
  • Solid fuel burning for home heating
  • Road transport emissions, both exhaust and non-exhaust
  • Agricultural ammonia emissions

Project Objectives

  • Improve understanding of air quality and its health impacts
  • Strengthen evidence to support local and regional decision-making
  • Promote cross-border cooperation on clean air policies and actions
  • Increase awareness and engagement among policymakers, stakeholders and citizens
Road transport is one of the principal sources of air pollution affecting communities across the island of Ireland. WP2 is dedicated to delivering a better assessment of population exposure to transport-related air pollution (TRAP) by conducting beyond-compliance measurements of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
Where regulatory monitoring stations provide data at a limited number of fixed sites, WP2 extends coverage to the places where people live, learn and receive care, generating a more detailed picture of real-world exposure.

What WP2 Does

Advanced source analysis Novel PM speciation measurements and source apportionment analysis quantify both exhaust emissions (from vehicle tailpipes) and non-exhaust emissions (such as brake, tyre and road surface wear) from road vehicles.
Cross-border sensor networks Low-cost sensor networks measuring PM and NO₂ are deployed at cross-border locations, with monitoring around schools, healthcare facilities, air pollution hotspots and residential areas. The data from these networks is presented on this platform.
Citizen science Portable sensors are used in citizen science activities with schools and community groups, raising awareness of air pollution and empowering people to understand their own exposure.
Mitigation measures WP2 evaluates potential design, ventilation and policy measures to reduce population exposure to air pollution, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups.
Aligned modelling approaches WP2 is developing a plan for better alignment of air quality modelling approaches between Northern Ireland and Ireland, supporting consistent, comparable evidence across both jurisdictions.

WP2 Targets

6Cross-border locations with low-cost sensor networks
2Field monitoring campaigns
12Schools and community groups in citizen science activities
200 (100 from each jurisdiction)Citizen scientists engaged

WP2 Leadership

WP2 is jointly led by:
  • University College Cork (UCC): through its Centre for Research into Atmospheric Chemistry, bringing 25 years of expertise in air quality field campaigns, source apportionment and sensor networks.
  • Donegal County Council (DCC): acting as regional connector to the five border local authorities in Ireland.
  • Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council (ABC): acting as regional connector to the eleven district councils in Northern Ireland.
The two councils bring a proven track record of collaboration on air quality monitoring. They coordinate sensor deployment, draw on local knowledge to identify monitoring locations, engage communities such as schools and hospitals, and help address cross-border regulatory and enforcement challenges.

About the Data

This platform displays measurements of:
  • Particulate matter (PM): tiny airborne particles that can be inhaled deeply into the lungs. Road vehicles contribute through both exhaust and non-exhaust sources.
  • Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂): a gas closely associated with fuel combustion in vehicle engines.

Who Benefits

  • Policymakers and public authorities: improved evidence to inform air quality policy and enforcement.
  • Communities and citizens: greater awareness of air pollution and practical ways to reduce exposure.
  • Environmental and health professionals: training, shared resources and collaborative networks.
  • The wider public: cleaner air and healthier environments across the island of Ireland.

Project Partners

Partners
  • European Regions Network for the Application of Communications Technology (ERNACT)
  • Donegal County Council
  • Queen's University Belfast
  • University College Cork
  • Technological University Dublin
  • University of Galway
  • Ulster University
  • All Island Institute of Public Health
  • Trinity College Dublin
  • Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council
Associate Partners
  • Derry City & Strabane District Council
  • Clean Air Advocacy Ireland
  • Northern Ireland Environment Agency
  • Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland)
  • Environmental Health Association of Ireland
  • Asthma & Lung UK Northern Ireland
  • Irish Heart Foundation
Partner logos
Placeholder
Associate partner logos
Placeholder

Funding

PEACE-Air is supported by the PEACEPLUS Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). The project contributes to the programme's objectives of building partnership, addressing shared challenges and supporting sustainable, inclusive development across Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Contact

For enquiries about this platform or WP2 activities, please contact the project team.
Dr Liz Coleman
Lecturer, Physics, School of Natural Sciences
University of Galway
liz.coleman@universityofgalway.ie
Research profile