A major cross-border initiative aimed at tackling air pollution across the island of Ireland has been launched at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Donegal. The PEACE-Air (Partnership for Evidence and Action on Clean Air) project, backed by €6.5 million in PEACEPLUS funding, unites 10 core partners including local authorities, universities, and health organisations from both jurisdictions.
The project will focus on the three major pollution sources: solid fuel burning, transport emissions, and agricultural ammonia. Through scientific research, community outreach, and policy support, it aims to build a shared evidence base and foster cooperative action. The launch event featured addresses from government ministers and health experts, who emphasized the critical need for coordinated, evidence-based strategies to protect public health.
A key long-term ambition of the PEACE-Air consortium is to develop the island’s first cross-border Strategy and Action Plan for Clean Air, ensuring a lasting legacy for communities and policymakers.
Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers TD said: “I welcome the launch of the PEACE-Air project. 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. 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.”
Finance Minister John O’Dowd MLA said: “I welcome this significant investment in the PEACE-Air project, which aims to create healthier communities and promote environmental sustainability. By equipping policymakers with the evidence and tools needed to shape effective clean air strategies, this initiative will ensure decisions are informed, co-ordinated, and deliver lasting benefits for communities across the island.”
SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “Air pollution is a shared challenge that knows no borders. PEACE-Air will be the first cross-border collaboration of its kind to tackle this challenge.
“The project will not only improve the quality of the air we breathe, but also demonstrate the immense value of partnership working across boundaries. It delivers unique scientific capability from across the island of Ireland, ensuring inclusive geographic coverage of Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
“This funding demonstrates PEACEPLUS in action, bringing experts together to work on delivering positive change which will benefit the lives of so many people across our programme area by protecting and enhancing our natural environment.”
Dr Caitriona Strain, General Manager of ERNACT, said: “ERNACT is proud to lead the PEACE-Air partnership and to support a project that places robust evidence, collaboration, and practical action at the centre of efforts to improve air quality across the island. Air pollution is a shared challenge that does not recognise borders, and PEACE-Air provides a unique opportunity to bring together research excellence, public authorities, and communities to inform policy and deliver real, long-term benefits for public health, the environment, and regional cooperation. This project will leave a lasting legacy through the development of a cross-border Strategy and Action Plan for Clean Air, grounded in science and shaped by those most affected.”
Further information can be found on www.peace-air.eu.
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