Air Quality Assessments – Killarney Court Hotels, County Kerry

Redmore Environmental Ltd was commissioned to undertake two Air Quality Assessments in support of planning applications for biomass boilers at the Killarney Court and Killarney Riverside Hotels, County Kerry. The objectives were to evaluate potential air quality impacts as a result of combustion emissions from the boilers at sensitive receptors in their vicinity. Baseline air quality data was collected, and dispersion modelling used to predict pollutant concentrations at sensitive locations, such as residential areas and statutory ecological sites. Dispersion modelling focused on key pollutants, including nitrogen oxides and particulate matter (PM_2.5, PM₁₀).

Irish Legislation

The Air Quality Assessments were conducted in compliance with relevant Republic of Ireland legislation and European Union (EU) directives. Key regulations include the Ambient Air Quality and Cleaner Air for Europe Directive, which sets Air Quality Limit Values for various pollutants, and the Air Quality Standards Regulations (2011), which transpose EU directives into Irish law. The assessment also considered national policies from Project Ireland 2040, which aims to improve air quality through sustainable urban planning and energy-efficient solutions, as well as local planning policies from the Kerry County Development Plan (2022-2028), which emphasises maintaining good air quality. Additionally, the Air Quality Assessments included the study of critical loads and levels to assess potential risks to sensitive ecological receptors, ensuring compliance with both national and EU standards for air quality protection.

County Kerry Air Quality Assessment Findings

The results of both Air Quality Assessments indicated that emissions from the proposed biomass boilers would have negligible impacts on pollutant concentrations, with levels not exceeding relevant standards at sensitive human receptors or ecological designations. As a result, emissions from the proposed biomass boilers were not considered to represent a constraint to planning consent for the proposals at the Killarney Court and Killarney Riverside Hotels.

How Can We Help?

If you require a Dispersion Modelling Assessment or an Air Quality Assessment, be it in support of a planning or Environmental Permit Application, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with one of our specialist Air Quality Consultants today to find out how we can help you with your project.