Almost seven out of 10 people surveyed in Northern Ireland support a Clean Air strategy

Asthma + Lung UK Northern Ireland is calling for action to tackle air pollution to protect public health, ahead of Clean Air Day, 18 June.

Released on 18th June 2026

Polling commissioned by the lung health charity of 1,000 people in Northern Ireland showed strong support for a Clean Air strategy and concern about high levels of air pollution in areas where people live and around schools.

The polling showed:

  • Nearly 7 out of 10 people (67.9%) agreed that a clean air strategy would help improve air quality in Northern Ireland, only 3.6% strongly disagreeing
  • 3 out of 5 (59.9%) respondents are concerned about air quality in their local area
  • 7 out of 10 (69.5%) respondents are concerned about air quality at schools1

Air pollution near schools is particularly harmful as it can stunt the growth of children’s lungs. Children also breathe more rapidly than adults, meaning they take in more pollutants.2 

The charity would like Northern Ireland to follow other UK nations and the Republic of Ireland to develop a clean air strategy. This would provide a cross-departmental action plan on how to tackle air pollution, improve health outcomes and help the environment. The strategy would include new legislation to tackle vehicle idling, lead to new ambitious air pollution targets, increase air pollution monitoring and reform domestic burning regulations.

The charity are pleased however that DAERA has recently launched a public consultation on the draft Air Quality (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 to tighten annual average particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) limits, targets and objectives in Northern Ireland. This is more ambitious than England (2030 non-statutory/2040 statutory) and Wales (2035), and would match Scotland by 2028.

High levels of air pollution can cause asthma attacks requiring hospitalisation. Toxic air can also cause new lung conditions and worsening of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).3 

Belfast, in comparison to other major UK cities, is the second biggest per head emitter of PM2.5 in the UK.4 

Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Northern Ireland and Chair of Healthy Air Northern Ireland said:  

“Lung health in Northern Ireland is one of the worst in Europe and the fact that Belfast has some of the highest levels of toxic air should be a major concern for the Executive. Action is urgently needed to tackle air pollution and lower the levels of nitrogen dioxide, to align with World Health Organisation guidelines and help protect people’s lungs.

“Northern Ireland needs to urgently follow other UK nations and develop a clean air strategy, to provide clear targets to help improve air quality. This would include a new, fully funded clean air fund that would provide targeted funding for councils to invest in monitoring, enforcement to reduce car idling near schools and initiatives that would help to tackle toxic air. Our polling shows that this is what the majority of people in Northern Ireland want to see happen.

“Northern Ireland is lagging behind other countries; urgent action is needed now.”

ENDS 

Reference: 

  1. Opinion Matters on behalf of Asthma + Lung UK Northern Ireland surveyed 1,000 adults in Northern Ireland and 3 in 5 (59.9%) are concerned about the air quality in their local area. Combining those who said ‘strongly agree’ or ‘agree’ to the following statement: Are you concerned by air quality in your local area.
  2. World Health Organization (WHO). More than 90% of the world’s children breathe toxic air every day. Accessed 26 May: https://www.who.int/news/item/29-10-2018-more-than-90-of-the-worlds-children-breathe-toxic-air-every-day
  3. Journal of Thoracic Medicine. Accessed 26 May.  Air pollution and chronic airway diseases: what should people know and do? - PMC

  4. Centre for Cities (2020) Cities Outlook 2020: Holding Our Breath page 18. Accessed 26 May. (Cities-Outlook-2020.pdf (centreforcities.org)) Swansea is the highest in the UK. 

    Opinion Matters on behalf of Asthma + Lung UK Northern Ireland surveyed 1,000 adults in Northern Ireland and 7 in 10 (69.5%) are concerned about the air quality around   schools. Combining those who said ‘strongly agree’ or ‘agree’ to the following statement: Are you concerned by air quality at schools. 

    Opinion Matters on behalf of Asthma + Lung UK Northern Ireland surveyed 1,000 adults in Northern Ireland and nearly 7 in 10 (67.9%) agreed a clean air strategy would improve air quality. Combining those who said ‘strongly agree’ or ‘agree’ to the following statement: A Clean Air Strategy would improve air quality.

Methodology:  

The research was conducted by Opinion Matters, among a sample of 1,000 Adults aged 16 + in Northern Ireland. The data was collected between 19.12.25 - 06.01.25. Opinion Matters abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Opinion Matters is also a member of the British Polling Council.