Background: The harmful effects of outdoor air pollution on stroke incidence are becoming increasingly recognised. We examined the impact of different air pollutants (PM 2.5 , PM 10 , NO 2 , ozone, and SO 2) on admission for all strokes in two Irish urban centres from 2013 to 2017. Methods: Using an eco logical time series design with Poisson regression models, we analysed daily hospitalisation for all strokes and is chaemic stroke by residence in Dublin or Cork, with air pol lution level monitoring data with a lag of 0-2 days from ex posure. Splines of temperature, relative humidity, day of the week, and time were included as confounders. Analysis was also performed across all four seasons. Data are presented as relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) per interquartile range (IQR) increase in each pollutant. Results: There was no significant association between all stroke admission and any individual air pollutant. On sea sonal analysis, during winter in the larger urban centre (Dublin), we found an association between all stroke cases and an IQR increase in NO 2 (RR 1.035, 95%

The volume of waste polymer being produced continues to rise. Disposal is difficult and waste exceeds acceptable levels. The purpose ofthe research is to examine the possibility of incorporating waste polymer into bitumen as a modifier. The aim was to find recycled polymer modified binders that would be similar to proven modified binders or that would augment the properties of 100 penetration grade bitumen. A wide range of recycled polymers was tested including polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyetherpolyurethane, ground rubber and truck tyre rubber. Tests included viscosity, penetration, softening point, ageing and rheology. Stiffness tests on samples of bituminous mixes made using a selection of binders also formed part of the research programme. Although stability problems were evident with some recycled modified bitumen some cases were found to be successful. The blend with 3% low density polyethlyene substituted for 1% sytrene butadiene styrene had similar properties to that of Polyflex 75 although it had lower stiffness. The most impressive was a combination of low density polyethylene, bitumen and ethyl vinyl acetate.

Parks are an important part of the urban fabric of cities. They offer people the opportunity to connect with nature, engage in physical activity, find a haven away from the city noise, or spend time alone or with family and friends. This study examines the relative importance of park and park visit characteristics for 865 survey participants in Dublin, Ireland. The data is analyzed using a multinomial logistic regression model which can distinguish the relative importance of attributes. The model results demonstrate an improvement over proportional by chance accuracy, indicating that the model is useful. The results suggest that when and why individuals go to the park along with the proximity of their residence to the park influence visit frequency more than their age and gender and more than their impression of the sound levels in the park. The contribution of the results, in terms of their potential usefulness to planners, suggest that the priority should be on the provision of park space close to residential areas, so that individuals can engage in activities such as walking and relaxation, and that the quality of that space, in the context of noise levels at least, is less important.

Increasing traffic loading and volumes on roads has led to the use of polymer modified binders to improve the performance of bitumen in terms of additional strength, durability and increased resistance to rutting and fatigue cracking. Generally those modifiers currently in use are virgin polymers but the research investigate the possibility of using waste polymers instead. The aim was to find a recycled polymer modified binder that would be similar to a proven modified binder (Polyflex 75) or would augment the properties of 100 penetration grade bitumen.A wide range of recycled polymers was tested including polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyetherpolyurethane, ground rubber and truck tyre rubber. Although there were some problems with stability in the bitumen some were found to be successful. The blen with 3% by mass of low density polyethylene substituted for 1% by mass of styrene butadience styrene had similar properties to that of Polyflex 75 although it had a lower stiffness. A combination of ethylene vinyl acetate with low density polyethylene showed similar viscosity to that of a 100 penetration bitumen while having an increased softening point. The blends showing promise need to be subjected to further investigation, in particular to evaluate how these blends perform in optimized bituminous mixes.