Dublin’s youngest citizens are taking meaningful action on climate and transport issues through The Sensor Inspector! Led by the Academy of the Near Future and Dublin City Council’s Active Travel Programme Office, the programme empowers primary school students to explore how their travel choices impact air quality and their local environment.
Working with 3rd to 6th class students across five schools, the programme introduced a hands-on, data-driven learning experience. Through a series of four interactive workshops, students installed and managed air quality and traffic sensors directly in their classrooms. Using real-time data, they investigated environmental conditions in their neighbourhoods and built a deeper understanding of the links between congestion, pollution, and active travel.
A defining element of the programme is its focus on student-led discovery. Rather than being passive learners, students acted as researchers, collecting, analysing, and interpreting data from their own communities. This approach gave them the tools and confidence to identify local challenges and propose practical solutions to support safer walking and cycling routes.
The programme concluded with a showcase event at the Mansion House, where students presented their findings to local stakeholders and decision-makers, including Lord Mayor Cllr Ray McAdam. From highlighting congestion hotspots to suggesting improvements in pedestrian safety, the students demonstrated thoughtful, evidence-based insights into how Dublin can become a more liveable and sustainable city.
The Sensor Inspector is the result of strong collaboration between key partners:
- Academy of the Near Future (ANF), a Smart Dublin education initiative developed with Dublin City Council and CONNECT at Trinity College Dublin
- Active Travel Programme Office, leading active mobility infrastructure delivery
- Trinity College Dublin, which funded classroom sensors through the Research Boost Programme
Participating schools included St. Joseph’s Primary Fairview, Howth Road National School, St. Columba’s National School, Harold’s Cross National School, and Scoil Chaitríona, Baggot Street.
By combining education, technology, and community engagement, The Sensor Inspector demonstrates how empowering young people with data can inspire real change.