Low levels of radioactivity from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan have been detected in Ireland.
The traces were found in an air sample collected by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII).
The amount of radioactive iodine identified is extremely low, is consistent with levels found in other European countries and has no public health implications, according to the institute.
"The levels which have been identified are extremely low, are not a matter for concern and do not require any special actions to be taken," chief executive Dr Ann McGarry said today.
The institute monitors radioactivity levels in the environment using a high volume air sampler located in Dublin which tests large volumes of air.
Traces of radiation have been found in tap water in Tokyo and as far away as Iceland. Low levels of radioactive iodine have also been detected in Russia, Iceland, Scotland, the US and Canada.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency said an air sampler in Glasgow had picked up the particles which they believe could be from the plant.
Emergency workers have been struggling to prevent a meltdown at the plant in the north east of Japan since it was damaged following the earthquake and tsunami on March 11th.