Two towns in the Shannonside region recorded high levels of air pollution last year.
Longford and Athlone towns both recorded a number of instances in 2022 where levels of particulate matter exceeded the recommended daily limit.
There were 9 exceedances recorded in Longford, the majority in March and December, while Athlone recorded increased air pollution on three dates during the year.
The EPA has found the use of 'dirty fuels' such as coal during the energy crisis, is likely to have contributed to the high levels of dust and soot in the atmosphere of the local towns.
Researcher in Climate Policy Sadhbh O'Neill says the Environmental Protection Agency findings are concerning.
''This is due, most likely to the continued burning of fossil fuels in residential heating coal peat and wood and to a certain extent nitrogen dioxide from traffic can contribute as well. The seriousness of this is that air pollution at this level can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease and repository disease such as asthma. And it's very concerning that the same towns are popping up again and again.''
