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