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Dean Venables

@dvenables.bsky.social
194 followers 135 following 37 posts

Air quality, atmospheric chemistry, environment, cycling advocate

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Reposted by Dean Venables
Impact on Urban Health @impurbanhealth.bsky.social · 01/09/2025
"Vans have become the biggest road source of a deadly air pollutant in central London." 🚛Indeed, diesel van deliveries cost London alone more than £2 billion per year in hidden costs.
thetimes.com
Vans top table of London’s road polluters as black cabs go green
Taxis were the greatest source of toxic nitrogen oxides six years ago, but the rise of electric hybrids has reduced their emissions
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Reposted by Dean Venables
Cycling In Cork @cyclingincork.bsky.social · 20/07/2025
Planning granted to upgrade key cycling and pedestrian route for Passage West www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster...
irishexaminer.com
Planning granted to upgrade key cycling and pedestrian route for Passage West
Regional reports from the Irish Examiner team
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IrishCycle.com @irishcycle.com · 18/06/2025
Irish Rail reveals locations and details of 8 new Cork station Eight new stations for -- Blarney/Stoneview, Monard, Blackpool/Kilbarry, Tivoli, Dunkettle, Ballynoe, Carrigtwohill West and Water-Rock -- are a key part of the plan for an upgraded and electrified Cork area rail network. Non-statutory…
irishcycle.com
Irish Rail reveals locations and details of 8 new Cork station
Eight new stations for -- Blarney/Stoneview, Monard, Blackpool/Kilbarry, Tivoli, Dunkettle, Ballynoe, Carrigtwohill West and Water-Rock -- are a key part of the plan for an upgraded and electrified Cork area rail network. Non-statutory public consultation on Phase 2 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme starts today with Irish Rail publishing its Emerging Preferred Option for the upgrades that are planned to support up to 16 million passenger journeys a year.
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RobertoC @tinotini.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
🚨New paper out! @maricacassarino.bsky.social @dvenables.bsky.social and I mapped #AirQuality communication needs in Cork using #DesignThinking. Findings? Strategies must inform, empower, and tackle systemic barriers Read here www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
sciencedirect.com
Promoting urban air quality resilience through communication: A stakeholder needs mapping and prioritisation study informed by design thinking
Air pollution (AP) poses significant global health risks and exacerbates socio-economic inequities, especially in urban contexts. This study mapped st…
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Stephen Frost @sfrost.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
Findings that should be a call to action for governments to urgently get high polluting vehicles off the roads. “Millions of diesel cars on our roads are still emitting toxically high levels of pollution and it’s costing our health, especially the health of our children” - @mumsforlungs.bsky.social
theguardian.com
Dieselgate pollution killed 16,000 people in UK, study estimates
Experts decry lack of UK government action and warn a further 6,000 early deaths could occur
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Dean Venables @dvenables.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
@echolive.bsky.social on the RoboTrees: www.echolive.ie/corkviews/ar... Yes, many other things would have been a better spend. Let's focus on reducing emissions at source, esp. burning stuff...solid fuels, petrol & diesel.
echolive.ie
Good riddance, robot trees, now let’s really go green on Pana
A totally car-free Patrick Street, a Bike Library, and more real trees are some of the ideas KATHRIONA DEVEREUX has now the robot trees have bit the ...
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Cycling In Kilkenny @cyclinginkilkenny.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
He's 100 % right to protest, this is an issue in every single village, town and city in Ireland without question! Gardai and councils largely ignore it by choice.
nenaghguardian.ie
Ballina man stages protest over parking on footpaths | Nenagh Guardian
A MAN from Ballina staged a protest outside the Civic Offices in Nenagh on Monday last as part of a desperate bid to persuade Tipperary County Council to stop cars and lorries parking on footpaths in the scenic village.
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Dean Venables @dvenables.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
A brilliant event — so great to meet everyone. Some great paths in #Ballincollig for #walking and #cycling. Also much more to do with some obvious wins. Active travel essential to get Bcollig moving again.
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Dean Venables @dvenables.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
It's only 1/2 done, but #TuckeySt reimagining is looking very positive to a formerly dreary part of #Cork. Wonderful to see pedestrianisation bringing life back to the street. Well done to CorkCityCouncil!😀 @what-if-cork.bsky.social @tripeanddrisheen.bsky.social
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Mums for Lungs @mumsforlungs.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
Why is there no health warning on a wood stove? Wood smoke contains most of the same carcinogens as tobacco smoke, including benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Tobacco products have had health warning messages for years - it's time for stoves to have the same. #AirPollution #Health
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Dean Venables @dvenables.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
More support for light rail in #Cork from #CorkChamber: www.echolive.ie/corkviews/ar.... I particularly welcome route changes to include Ballincollig town centre. Would be a game-changer for shops & help reduce the traffic woes.👍 @corkcyclingcrew.bsky.social
echolive.ie
Cork Views: Light rail project is central to Cork’s future
The landmark light rail network in Cork has moved a step closer, and all stakeholders should pull together to make it happen, says CONOR HEALY, CEO ...
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Dean Venables @dvenables.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
Great comments from Catherine, weaving together the multifacetted relationship between health & mobility of different types. www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm... @corkcyclingcrew.bsky.social @what-if-cork.bsky.social @conndonovan.bsky.social @irishdocsenv.bsky.social @eriuccs.bsky.social
irishexaminer.com
Catherine Conlon: Cork Luas will improve health outcomes for generations
Children's ability to move around our city independently of cars, reduced noise pollution and increased exercise for all users will have a massive impact
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Reposted by Dean Venables
IrishCycle.com @irishcycle.com · 14/04/2025
Dublin’s community cargo bicycle trial clocks up over 4,000km Dublin City Council's community cargo bicycle trial, an initiative that aims to "offer residents and businesses a cost-effective way to use electric cargo bikes for everyday tasks and deliveries", is to switch into phase two. The…
irishcycle.com
Dublin’s community cargo bicycle trial clocks up over 4,000km
Dublin City Council's community cargo bicycle trial, an initiative that aims to "offer residents and businesses a cost-effective way to use electric cargo bikes for everyday tasks and deliveries", is to switch into phase two. The community cargo project was launched in May 2024, and is a collaboration between the council's Environment and Transportation section and the Beta unit in Corporate Services and Transformation.
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Óige Ghlas - Young Greens @younggreens.ie · 15/04/2025
Reduced capacity and slower journeys? It's not looking great for Cork Luas. Here's what others are saying.
Does Cork Luas have a capacity problem?Journey time from Ballincollig to City Centre up to 35 minutes from original 27

Very little priority given to trams, it’s going to slow the tram down

The preferred route is not future-proofed

Cork Deserves better

Feljin Jose - Green Spokesperson for TransportIt’s absolutely insane how congested Cork is, and we need to demand better to ensure that Cork isn’t locked into the same thing for decades and decades

Cork is one of the fastest growing cities in Ireland, so we really do need this capacity to fuel the growth of the city

It’s taking a twisty route through suburbs which is going to involve a lot of turns, slower speeds and will bring down capacity

Ciarán Meers - Cork Commuter CoalitionAnswers are needed as to why the number of predicted passenger journeys have dropped from 46 million to 16 million

If that’s due to inefficiencies in the planned route, sharing road space with traffic or a reduction in frequency, then that has to be addressed

The outline I was given is that a second public consultation could happen in 2026 and a railway order sought in 2027. Construction would then take five to six years. That’s the kind of pace of timeline we need

Oliver Moran - Green Party Councillor in Cork
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Dean Venables @dvenables.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
Really delighted to see govt get serious about modern public transport outside Dublin: bit.ly/42erl8b Cork tram will be a huge asset to the city & I'm esp pleased to see that it won't be used on the Blackrock greenway.👍 Time to build Lee2Sea Greenway 😀 for attractive active travel options too!❤️
bit.ly
Draft route for 'long-awaited' €1bn Cork Luas light rail system unveiled
The proposed route runs 18km from Ballincollig in the west to Mahon Point in the east, with 25 stops along the way
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Dean Venables @dvenables.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
Looks brilliant. Let's start to see some of this in #Cork, #Limerick, #Galway, #Waterford. This is good, and not just for climate, air quality, equity, noise, heatlh, economic, or public realm benefits.😀
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Bike Commuting Ireland @bikecommuting.ie · 01/04/2025
Great news! Corks TFI bikes are being installed along the Marina Promenade and just behind Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
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Dean Venables @dvenables.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
Love this!😀 www.nature.com/articles/d41...
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Kathryn Brown @kathryn-brown.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
We've published fantastic new research today showing that natural flood management works, and delivers ten times the benefits compared to costs over 30 years. From beavers to re-wiggled rivers to wild driveways, #letnaturehelp #NFM #Climate #Nature #adapt 🧪 www.wildlifetrusts.org/news/new-res...
wildlifetrusts.org
New research finds that Wildlife Trust natural flood management schemes deliver £10 of benefits for every £1 invested | The Wildlife Trusts
Government and businesses urged to invest in beaver dams, bogs and ponds
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Dean Venables @dvenables.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Nitrogen dioxide a big problem, but we also now have really good technological fixes. Induction stoves are fantastic...our one is MUCH faster than our old gas hob with much superior levels of control. I'd never consider going back to gas on function alone, let alone health benefits.
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Reposted by Dean Venables
Science Magazine @science.org · 10/03/2025
"To protect public health everywhere, air quality standards must be modernized, advanced instrumentation mobilized, and collaborative networks established to move air quality assessment into the 21st century," note @kprather.bsky.social and Kelley Barsanti in a new #ScienceEditorial. scim.ag/41BFV80
"Air pollution is the second leading cause of human death worldwide ...," attributed to Kimberly Prather and Kelley Barsanti, displayed on a red background.
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Dean Venables @dvenables.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Some encouraging promises on #bus service in #Cork. 👍 Let's see how this goes. Urgently need buses, along with more walking & much more cycling, to address Cork's traffic chaos. Thanks to cllrs who're addressing the issue @horganp.bsky.social, Thomas Gould & others www.echolive.ie/corknews/ari...
echolive.ie
'Transformative' improvements to be made on more than 20 Cork bus routes
Driver recruitment and training have been accelerated, and minimum driver levels have been achieved, the NTA said.
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Dean Venables @dvenables.bsky.social · 08/03/2025
Delighted to celebrate newly-minted PhD, Eibhlin Halpin, for wonderful work on air pollutant NO2 and sensor development! Well done for sticking it out through covid, building a solid foundation for new sensor methods & getting some great data on pollution from school travel. 1/2
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Ralph Palmer @ralphpalmer.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
Great news from a comprehensive study of London's ULEZ: 📉 nitrogen dioxide levels are down 27% 📉 small particle emissions are 31% lower in outer London than they would have been if ULEZ wasn't expanded ✅ air quality is better across 99% of monitoring sites www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
London air pollution down since Ulez extended to outer boroughs, study finds
Levels of deadly pollutants have dropped, with significant improvements in capital’s most deprived areas
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Dean Venables @dvenables.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
Impressive outcomes for #London #airquality😀 #Paris also greatly reduced NO2 by prioritising cycling & walking👍 Time for ULEZ, congestion charges, & more bike lanes in #Ireland & #Cork❤️ @irishcyclingcmpn.bsky.social @irishdocsenv.bsky.social @what-if-cork.bsky.social @corkcyclingcrew.bsky.social
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Deborah Shprentz @envirohealth.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
hsph.harvard.edu/news/the-dan...
hsph.harvard.edu
The dangers of air pollution for heart health | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Harvard Chan environmental health experts explain how air pollution affects the heart.
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Reposted by Dean Venables
Friends of the Earth Ireland @foeireland.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
Dr John Collins @irishdocsenv.bsky.social highlights roles of government, corporations and individuals to tackle air pollution from fossil fuels use.
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Dean Venables @dvenables.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
Eye-watering impact of traffic-pollutant nitrogen dioxide (NO2) on neonatal ICU admissions bit.ly/4bdaa9z Abstract from the Nature study: "Despite rel low-moderate US exposure levels, traffic-related pollutants...appear to increase overall adverse health risks for newborns" @johnwenger9.bsky.social
bit.ly
Exposure to NO2 in late pregnancy can increase chance of NICU admission by 35%
A new study from the University at Buffalo has identified a correlation between exposure to air pollution in late pregnancy and the risk of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions. The team use...
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Reposted by Dean Venables
Mums for Lungs @mumsforlungs.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
“School streets are a total joy! The air smells and tastes completely different." (Quote from a #Manchester parent). #GreaterManchester people - talk to your headteacher about #SchoolStreets after half term. Transport for GM is looking for schools to register their interest!
buff.ly
School Streets
Greater Manchester is helping transform the school run, putting measures in place that promote cycling, scooting and walking and restricting access to motorised vehicles at school start and finish…
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Hannah Daly @hannahdaly.ie · 18/02/2025
Ireland's energy regulator has abdicated all responsibility for setting policy in line with the climate law. If the CRU doesn't take responsibility, then what public body will?
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Brent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
Air pollution has dropped significantly in #Paris in the last 15 years as a result of a deliberate strategy. Mayor @annehidalgo.bsky.social’s leadership has traded car space for green space, safe bike space, kid space.. and traded pollution for people. Good trade.
Graphic showing change in air pollution in central Paris between 2007 and 2023.
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Reposted by Dean Venables
The Guardian @theguardian.com · 14/02/2025
Brake pad dust can be more toxic than exhaust emissions, study says
theguardian.com
Brake pad dust can be more toxic than exhaust emissions, study says
Research shows move to electric vehicles may not be enough to enable pollution from cars to be eradicated Microscopic particles emitted from brake pads can be more toxic than those emitted in diesel vehicle exhaust, a study has found. This research…
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Dean Venables @dvenables.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
Will definitely be passing this on to family members who have been left stranded multiple times by #Cork's terrible #bus service.
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Jon Burke🌍 @jonburkeuk.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
Everything you've been told about the 'unpopularity' of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods is a lie.
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Dr Maria Neira @drmarianeira.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
Health community calls for urgent action for clean air ahead of of the Second @WHO Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in March 2025 in Colombia 🇨🇴. Stop air pollution and save lives! www.who.int/news/item/27...
who.int
Health community calls for urgent action for clean air ahead of WHO conference
“Leaders must make bold commitments, while the health community must continue advocating to protect our future. Join the call to action – your signature will help drive the change needed to protect pu...
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RTÉ Brainstorm @rtebrainstorm.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
How do you create a bike-friendly neighbourhood? New #RTEBrainstorm podcast presented by @ellamcsweeney.bsky.social with Gavin McArdle & Francesco Pilla @ucddublin.bsky.social @maynoothuni.bsky.social - proudly supported by @researchireland.bsky.social www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
rte.ie
How do you create a bike-friendly neighbourhood?
Here's a checklist for communities who want to take action on traffic congestion, pollution and green transport in their area
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Dean Venables @dvenables.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
Encouraging evidence from #Bradford's #cleanairzone: demonstrable improvements in #health. 👍 Let's see more CAZ's in Ireland to improve OUR health (& reduce our love-affair with diesel...it ain't lovin' us back). Time to expand #Cork's #CAZ too.❤️ @johnwenger9.bsky.social @jbarimo.bsky.social
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Dean Venables @dvenables.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
Came across this positive impact of lower speed limits: lower vehicle insurance costs. Makes sense. Though the real benefits are in reduced injuries and deaths
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Dean Venables @dvenables.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
Hey @irishexaminer.bsky.social : Can you put Bluesky links to repost articles? Very much stepping away from X. This is interesting & relevant to my work & the conversations I'm involved in: www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster... Thanks!
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Brigid ag Rithallaigh @brigidagrith.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
A good reminder that cycle lanes and footpaths don't appear congested as they (mostly) allow people to move through quickly and efficiently. Video taken from charlemont luas stop on a rainy morning.
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Dean Venables @dvenables.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
Utter horror of driving in #Cork tonight:😠 15 min to drive 300m past Mercy Hospital. How slow is that? 1) it's HALF the ave walking speed of a NONAGENARIAN (>90y.o.) 2) it's slower than nonagenarians using ASSISTIVE DEVICES So much better by bike or foot! @corkcyclingcrew.bsky.social Calcs follow
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Dean Venables @dvenables.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
Love this not-so-new cycle parking @ucc.ie! ❤️ This space used to accommodate only 2 vehicles. Most days it's now over 20 bikes (& some scooters)...a 10-fold (!!!) increase. Brilliant re-thinking of space! @corkcyclingcrew.bsky.social @corkcity.bsky.social @what-if-cork.bsky.social @irishcycle.com
Cycle parking at University College Cork, replacing 2 parking spots for vehicles
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Dean Venables @dvenables.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
Nice story here. It really depends on the type/distance you drive regularly. In my family's case, we've been very pleased with an old EV...even with a 130km range, it met our needs. We're now looking to snaffle a newer EV with ±40kWh battery. It's great to step away from fossil fuels😀
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John Wenger @johnwenger9.bsky.social · 18/01/2025
#AirQuality is seriously compromised in #Cork during winter months due to residential solid fuel burning. So it's great to see Cork City Council promoting #CleanAirNight on Friday, 24th January. @corkcity.bsky.social Great info here... www.cleanairnight.ie
cleanairnight.ie
Clean Air Zone
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Dean Venables @dvenables.bsky.social · 25/01/2025
Good reminders from @johnwenger9.bsky.social about the harms of stoves bit.ly/4h6L1zO 1) A little restraint & 2) adopting new heating systems (Heat Pumps!) will do a world of good for ourselves &, well, our world @irishdocsenv.bsky.social @uccchemistry.bsky.social @maricacassarino.bsky.social
bit.ly
Wood-burning stoves are a serious problem for your health – and the environment
People who use solid fuel stoves as a secondary source of heating could consider stopping its use altogether. That really would be a breath of fresh air.
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Dean Venables @dvenables.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
Interesting study that Gary reports on here, adding more nuance to the effects of air pollution on dementia & other diseases t.co/N9YVxvFN53
t.co
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/24/how-dementia-could-be-linked-to-air-pollution-in-early-life?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
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Jim McQuaid @jimmcquaid.bsky.social · 17/01/2025
"#AirPollution and brain damage: what the science says....." Epidemiological studies have linked dirty air to dementia and other brain disorders. Now researchers are trying to determine how pollutants do their damage, and how much harm they cause. www.nature.com/articles/d41...
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Dean Venables @dvenables.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
Great visit to #CastletroyCollege in #Limerick to discuss analysing #airquality with students & @antaisce.bsky.social & @epaireland.bsky.social. Wonderful to work with engaged students — looking forward to seeing what they do with the data! @maricacassarino.bsky.social @uccchemistry.bsky.social
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Dean Venables @dvenables.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
Some great points here about transport priorities, health, and climate from Catherine Conlon in the Irish Medical Times: t.co/YgLOwXuH1O @irishcyclingcmpn.bsky.social
t.co
https://www.imt.ie/opinion/dr-catherine-conlon/investing-in-roads-over-people-is-a-backward-step-a-fifth-of-the-transport-budget-should-be-allocated-to-walking-and-cycling-21-01-2025/
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Dean Venables @dvenables.bsky.social · 17/01/2025
Love this #CleanAIrNight (24 Jan) initiative from #CorkCityCouncil. Great graphics & tips for reducing air pollution from solid fuel burning! @maricacassarino.bsky.social
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