For the second year in a row, St. Patrick’s National School has recorded the highest levels of the gas nitrogen dioxide (NO2) for a school of its size in Ireland. The nationwide study of air quality around Irish primary and secondary schools took place during the month of September.

Three test tubes were placed around the school to collect the gas, which is released from vehicle exhausts for a one-month period. In addition, students recorded traffic volumes and the weather for extra data. The project is a great way for students to become citizen scientists by gathering data in their own local environment.

73 primary schools participated in the study. St. Patrick’s N.S. recorded a level of 14.43 ug/m3. The results showed that nitrogen dioxide levels outside St. Patrick’s National School, Slane were the 15^th highest among all Irish primary schools in the study. However, all schools with higher nitrogen dioxide readings were located in cities (9) and large towns (5).

As a result, one of the sites at the front of St. Patrick’s National School had the highest nitrogen dioxide levels (14.43ug/m3) in comparison to other Irish primary schools with similar sized population and exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines of 10ug/m3. The level did fall from 16.58 ug/m3 recorded last year. However, there were some insects in the test tube this year, which may have impacted on the results.

This result is consistent with Meath County Council nitrogen dioxide data, taken as part of the proposed Slane bypass. It is estimated that over 17,000 vehicles travel through Slane on a daily basis. It will be interesting to see if the introduction of average speed cameras on the N2 in the future will impact on the Nitrogen Dioxide levels. We will continue to monitor the levels in the coming years.

You can read our school's submission on the proposed Slane bypass on our publications page.