Researchers from Trinity College Dublin are working with collaborators across the island of Ireland on a major cross-border initiative to improve air quality.
PEACE-Air will address three major sources of air pollution: solid fuel burning, transport emissions, and agricultural ammonia, through a structured programme of scientific research, behavioural insights, community outreach, and policy support.
The project brings together local authorities, universities, environmental agencies, health organisations, and community groups from both jurisdictions, ensuring that its work is grounded in shared priorities and accessible evidence.
John Gallagher, Associate Professor in Trinity’s School of Engineering, stated: “The success of this project for us will be ensuring we improve air quality for everyone in border communities, whether it be towns and cities or indeed rural areas, as we inform policy that truly improves the health and wellbeing of people of all ages.”
Collecting air quality data to reduce pollution exposure
As part of the project, researchers will collect air quality data in communities along the Ireland-Northern Ireland border over the next two years and define solutions to mitigate exposure to air pollution for vulnerable population groups.
Then, the data will be translated to support the implementation of physical or nature-based design solutions as interventions to reduce pollution hotspots in and around educational and healthcare settings.
The aim is to reduce and/or eliminate emissions from local transport or home-burning sources, so that vulnerable population groups, like children, are exposed to less pollution when playing outside during breaks or sports, or when it infiltrates buildings.
“By equipping policymakers with the evidence and tools needed to shape effective clean air strategies, this initiative will ensure decisions are informed, coordinated, and deliver lasting benefits for communities across the island,” explained Ireland’s Finance Minister John O’Dowd.
Addressing air pollution with coordinated action
At the launch of the PEACE-Air project, the importance of addressing air pollution through coordinated, evidence-based action was emphasised.
Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, said: “Funded by the PEACEPLUS programme, PEACE-Air harnesses unique scientific and research capacity to address the shared cross-border challenge of air pollution.
“The work of PEACE-Air will help inform strategies to protect the natural environment and ensure clean air for people and communities across the island of Ireland.”
He continued: “With a focus on strategic cross-border engagement, PEACE-Air exemplifies the positive public health and environmental impacts that can be achieved through effective North-South collaboration.”
The PEACE-Air consortium
The PEACE-Air partnership consists of ten core partners, including ERNACT (lead partner), Donegal County Council, Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council, Queen’s University Belfast, University College Cork, TU Dublin, University of Galway, Ulster University, Trinity, and the Institute of Public Health.
Seven associate partners, including the EPA, NIEA, Asthma & Lung UK, the Irish Heart Foundation, and the Environmental Health Association of Ireland, will also support delivery and contribute specialist expertise.
