'A great success': Results for Clean Air Together Waterford project officially revealed

Results have been revealed following the Clean Air Together Waterford project which took place in 2025. 

Throughout this initiative, over 300 citizen scientists measured levels of the harmful air pollutant, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), in Waterford city and environs. Results from the study were presented at a public event hosted in the SETU Campus. 

This large-scale citizen science project was led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with Waterford City and County Council and with support from Kilkenny County Council and the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce. 

Commenting on the project, Patrick Byrne, EPA Director, said: “Clean Air Together Waterford has been a great success, with hundreds of citizen scientists in the city measuring the levels of traffic pollution in their local areas. This campaign has given us all a very valuable snapshot of nitrogen dioxide levels across Waterford city and environs, and has provided important new data about this air pollutant to complement the EPA’s existing air quality monitoring network. This project would not have been possible without the engagement and commitment of Waterford’s citizen scientists, whose interest in learning about air pollutants and improving their local environment is clearly evident.” 

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Nitrogen dioxide levels across Waterford and its surroundings were generally low, with 85 per cent of results falling in the lowest NO2 category. 14 per cent of results fell within the next lowest NO2 category. Higher levels of NO2 were found near busy roads in the city centre which can be expected given that traffic is the main source of NO2 in towns and cities. While higher results measured are within current EU Air Quality limits, these areas will require focus with more stringent air quality limits coming into force from 2030. 

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Séamus Ryan added, “These results are encouraging, with most locations showing low levels of traffic-related pollution, but we cannot be complacent. Where higher readings were identified along busy routes such as Meagher’s Quay and Merchants Quay, we now have clear evidence to guide our next steps. Clean air is not just an environmental issue, it’s a public health issue, and this project gives us the knowledge to protect both.” 

The information gathered through Clean Air Together will be used by the EPA to inform its air quality modelling and forecasting. The information will also support evidence-based decision-making by Waterford City and County Council, in areas such as transport and active travel planning, while supporting initiatives aimed at raising awareness and promoting practical actions to address air pollution. 

Results from the Clean Air Together Waterford project are available on the Clean Air Together project site.