The HSE and Department of Health and Children have said that the plume of volcanic ash from Iceland is not considered to be a significant risk to public health in Ireland while the Department of Transport has said that the Environmental Protection Agency monitoring programme has found no evidence of volcanic ash. The World Health Organisation has advised people with lung conditions such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma to stay indoors if volcanic ash does start to settle.

The Health Service Executive review of the possible health effects of the volcanic ash has said signs of volcanic ash in the air included itchy or irritated eyes, runny nose, sore throat or dry cough. The sulphur dioxide in the ash could give rise to a smell similar to rotten eggs. The Asthma Society of Ireland said there was no need for undue concern at the moment, but if the situation changed, people with respiratory conditions may notice their symptoms worsening. This depended on factors such as the concentration of particles in the ash, the level of exposure to the ash and the individual's asthmatic history.