Macroom air doubles in quality

Air quality in Macroom has improved dramatically since the opening of the town’s long-awaited bypass according to new figures.

The figures relate to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels in the county Cork town.

The first stage of the N22 Macroom bypass officially opened on 9 December last year and had an immediate positive impact in drawing heaving out of the town centre.

It is expected that the second phase of the bypass will open in August.

“The air quality tests for Macroom are showing a very positive outcome since the bypass and it’s confirming what people would have felt and seen in the area,” said Cork TD Aindrias Moynihan (Fianna Fáil).

Last October Cork County Council installed passive diffusion tubes at 7 locations around the town to measure air quality on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In early 2023 similar tubes were installed at the same locations to measure air quality after the road opened.

The results show a combined average reduction of 53.8% in NO2 levels in Macroom in the 6 months since the town bypass opened. Millstreet Cross saw the largest improvement at 68.5% drop.

Deputy Moynihan continued: “This is a significant improvement in air quality for Macroom residents. It's a clear measurement of the improving environment and a clear indication of the many benefits of the removal of large volumes of traffic from towns.

"The benefits of the bypass are much more than the road itself. It gives people the opportunity to enjoy the town so much more.”