Call for ban on smoking and vaping at Cork public amenities

New bylaws could see smoking and vaping banned in some public areas across County Cork.

Sparked by concerns over children’s health, measures could soon be introduced by Cork County Council to prohibit smoking and vaping at all playgrounds, multi-use games area, and amenity spaces controlled by the council.

The possible move to ban the use of cigarettes and electronic vapes comes following a motion by Fianna Fáil councillor Audrey Buckley at a recent meeting of the Carrigaline municipal district council.

The Carrigaline municipal district councillor’s motion received unanimous cross-party support and was also backed by the most senior council official representing the area.

Ms Buckley expressed concern about the influence that smoking and vaping is having on young children and called for the use of tobacco and e-cigarettes to be prohibited in amenity spaces controlled by the council.

She noted that it is widely acknowledged cigarettes cause cancer, and expressed worry about the growing health risks linked to vaping.

“Vaping isn’t harmless,” she said. “Second-hand vape clouds aren’t safe, especially for children, pregnant women, and those with respiratory issues.” 

She emphasized that most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can negatively impact brain development in adolescents, potentially leading them to take up smoking.

In addition to health concerns, Cllr Buckley also raised concerns about the increasing volume of discarded cigarette butts and discarded vapes found in these locations, describing it as a major issue for both council workers and Tidy Towns volunteers who are regularly forced to clean them up.

Addressing, what she believes are, cigarettes butts and vapes left behind by parents while their children are playing on the swings, roundabouts, and other amusements, she said: “While it may help some adults quit smoking, its widespread use in public and youth environments raises serious health and social concerns.”

“The litter from cigarette buts and plastic vapes, end up in our river and seas, it can also be very harmful to wildlife,” Ms Buckley told the council meeting.

She pointed out that when older individuals are seen using cigarettes or vapes, especially in public spaces like playgrounds, it can influence younger people to adopt the same behaviors.

During a recent council meeting, she shared that she has personally witnessed children as young as 11 or 12 using vapes, and in some cases, even smoking cigarettes in public facilities.

Calling for action, Ms Buckley proposed that all council-operated public spaces should display clear signage to indicate that smoking and vaping are not allowed.