School of Chemistry researchers play leading role in new €6.5 Million all-island project for improving air quality

23 Jan 2026

PEACE-Air (Partnership for Evidence and Action on Clean Air) is an all-island initiative working to improve air quality and protect public health across Ireland and Northern Ireland through evidence-based policy, collaboration and innovation.

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.

Led by Prof John Wenger and Dr Stig Hellebust, from the School of Chemistry and Sustainability Institute, researchers from UCC will use chemical fingerprinting techniques to determine sources of air pollution, deploy low-cost air sensor networks in border towns and support citizen science activities to highlight the importance of good air quality.

This work builds on the impactful research previously conducted by UCC’s Centre for Research into Atmospheric Chemistry used to develop new policies for reducing emissions from solid fuel burning and Ireland’s first air quality forecast.

Supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), the €6.5 million PEACE-Air project was recently launched at Atlantic Technical University (ATU), Donegal.

Prof John Wenger said “We are delighted to play a leading role in this ambitious all-island project for delivering clean air. Air pollution has a detrimental effect on human health and well-being and is estimated to cause over 2,600 premature deaths annually on the island of Ireland. PEACE-Air will generate robust scientific evidence to support cross-border policy development and enable practical actions that lead to cleaner air and better health outcomes for all”.

Prof Anita Maguire, Head of School, said “We are delighted to see our leading researchers in atmospheric chemistry bring their expertise in air quality monitoring to this important North-South collaboration focused on improving air quality with benefits for public health. This is an excellent example of how many years of fundamental research can lead to very important societal impacts."

Professor Sarah Culloty, Head, College of Science, Engineering and Food Science, University College Cork, said “I would like to extend my congratulations to Professor John Wenger and colleagues across the PEACE‑Air consortium on the launch of this important cross‑border initiative. It is inspiring to see our researchers contributing their expertise to a collaboration that not only advances air quality science but also strengthens cooperation across the island of Ireland".

The PEACE-Air partnership consists of 10 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.

Further information can be found on www.peace-air.eu.