Rising traffic volumes on Kildare roads indirectly leading to problems for asthma sufferers

Traffic on the N7 and M4 roads out of Dublin can be an inconvenience to anyone who has to suffer through commuting to and from the capital on a daily basis, but the Asthma Society reckon that there could be more long-lasting effects that could damage a person's health.

“Rising traffic and solid fuel emissions pose a serious threat to public health, especially for people with respiratory conditions such as asthma”, the CEO of the Asthma Society Averil Power said today.

She was speaking following the publication of a report by the Environmental Protection Agency which showed that Ireland’s emissions from traffic and solid fuels increased in 2015. Our emissions were also in excess of World Health Organisation guidelines.

According to Ms Power, “Rising air pollution is a serious health risk to the 470,000 Irish people with asthma. Pollution can trigger asthma symptoms, cause asthma attacks and even result in hospitalisation. In light of the EPA data released today, it is essential that the Government follows through on its commitment to a national ban on smoky coal and revisits the favourable taxation of diesel.”

“The burning of smoky coal was banned in Dublin and other urban areas over 25 years ago. However, it is still allowed in other parts of the country. The Government committed in 2015 to a nationwide ban on smoky coal. It is essential this is implemented without further delay.

“Research has also shown that there is no longer a justification for taxing motor diesel at a lower rate than petrol. Many newer petrol cars have lower emissions than diesel cars.  Car manufacturers have also been shown to have made misleading claims about emissions from their diesel engines. In light of this information, the Government should equalise taxes on petrol and diesel and use the proceeds to improve our environment",she said.

Ms Power concluded by welcoming the EPA report as an important contribution to the air quality debate in Ireland. "The Asthma Society is committed to working with the EPA and other partners to make better air quality a public and political priority", she said.