Primary schools track air pollution and traffic using classroom sensors
Posted on: 15 May 2026
Delivered through the Academy of the Near Future - a smart cities education initiative developed by Dublin City Council and CONNECT Centre, headquartered at Trinity - the programme gave primary school students an active role in shaping conversations around active travel, sustainability, and healthier cities.
Primary school students across Dublin City have taken an active role in shaping how they travel through The Sensor Inspector, a citizen science programme focused on traffic monitoring, air quality, and active travel.
Delivered through the Academy of the Near Future - a smart cities education initiative developed by Dublin City Council and CONNECT Centre, headquartered at Trinity College Dublin - the programme gave primary school students across Dublin City an active role in shaping conversations around active travel, sustainability, and healthier cities.
It engaged five primary schools, working with 3rd to 6th-class students through a four-part workshop series. Participants used real-time data from sensors to investigate their local area, identify environmental challenges, and develop community-led solutions to promote walking and cycling.
The programme culminated in a showcase event at the Mansion House, where students presented their findings and proposals for safer, cleaner travel to local leaders.
Speaking at the event, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, said: “It is inspiring to see young people across Dublin engaging so thoughtfully with the challenges and opportunities of active travel. Through The Sensor Inspector, students are not only learning about air quality, traffic and sustainability, but are contributing ideas that can help shape safer, healthier streets in their own communities. Empowering children to understand and influence how our city moves is an investment in Dublin’s future.”
A core element of the initiative is student ownership; participants managed sensors in their own classrooms and provided insights based on their local knowledge. This hands-on approach helped students understand how transport choices affect air quality and the wider environment.
“It’s exciting to see students using real data to understand their communities and imagine better ways to move through the city. Programmes like The Sensor Inspector show how technology, curiosity, and local engagement can come together to shape a healthier and more sustainable Dublin” - Professor Dan Kilper, Director, CONNECT Research Ireland Centre.
“The Sensor Inspector was designed to give students voice and ownership, moving beyond theory to become citizen scientists. It’s been inspiring to see their enthusiasm to take action in their community,” said Mariana Chihenseck Blanco, Engagement and Project Manager, at Smart Docklands.
The workshops were delivered in collaboration with the Active Travel Programme Office, who are currently building the Active Travel Network. This ambitious project consists of high-quality walking and cycling infrastructure, designed to connect communities safely across Dublin.
“Data is the foundation of how we design a city that works for everyone. By engaging with these sensors, students are gaining insights on how data can help improve their local environments. Ultimately, we are building an active travel network for the future users of our city- our children - ensuring they have a safe, sustainable, and healthy way to move through Dublin for generations to come.” - Celina Barrett. Assistant Chief Executive, Transport & Public Realm, Dublin City Council.
Key Programme Partners:
· Academy of the Near Future (ANF): A smart cities education programme delivered by Dublin City Council and the CONNECT Research Ireland Centre headquartered at Trinity College Dublin.
· Active Travel Programme Office: Overseeing the delivery of the Active Travel Network.
· Trinity College Dublin: Provided sensor funding through the Research Boost Programme.
Participating Schools :
· St. Joseph’s Primary Fairview
· Howth Road National School
· St. Columba’s National School
· Harold’s Cross National School
· Scoil Chaitriona Baggot Street
By empowering young people with data and a platform, The Sensor Inspector highlights the vital role children play in shaping a sustainable future for Dublin.