An air quality monitoring station in Portlaoise has recorded a dramatic drop in air quality on Thursday April 10.

The station recorded a baffling increase in PM10 particles, which can be found in the burning of fuels and emissions from heavy traffic.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recorded a shocking rise from an average of 22.57 µg/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre of air) to a height of 528.34 µg/m3. 

This drop in air quality is allegedly due to local construction work.

"After consulting with the Fire Station in Portlaoise, it was communicated that there was construction works in the building adjacent to the Fire Station compound, where the monitoring station is located," the Environmental Protection Agency confirmed with the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Pictured: Air quality levels in Portlaoise saw a massive spike in PM10 levels

"The works were being carried out in and around the time of the spike. The dust and large particles from this would have caused elevated levels of PM10," EPA explained.

"In Ireland air quality issues, specifically relating to PM2.5 and PM10, are principally related to cold still evenings over winter, when solid fuel is being burned.

"During summer, or over warm periods, such air pollution will typically reduce as solid fuels are not required," they said.

"Ground level ozone concentrations may increase slightly with hot weather due to atmospheric chemical reactions associated with temperature but have never reached concentrations of concern in Ireland.

"It is also worth noting that air quality in Portlaoise is generally very good. In 2023, measured concentrations were below both the current European regulatory limits and the more stringent limits set to come into effect in 2030," the environmental agency finished.

Other sources of PM10 are soil and road surfaces, construction works and industrial emissions or natural sources such as windblown salt, plant spores and pollens.

These direct emissions are known as primary PM. Particulate matter can also be formed from reactions between different pollutant gases (secondary sources).