Kilkenny Councillor Demands Full Vape Ban Amid Youth Health Crisis

BREAKING: Urgent calls for a complete ban on vapes in Kilkenny City are intensifying as local officials express deep concerns over the health of young people. Cllr Seán Ó hArgáin, a prominent Labour Party councillor and former Mayor, has called for immediate action, stating that the government’s recent measures are insufficient to protect youth from the dangers of vaping.

In a statement earlier today, Ó hArgáin highlighted the government’s decision to restrict the sale of vapes through vending machines and to under-18s, but criticized it as merely a step in the right direction. “While this decision is welcome, the government’s pace is alarmingly slow as our young people’s health hangs in the balance,” he said.

Ó hArgáin pointed out that vapes are still readily available in supermarkets and convenience stores, while traditional cigarettes are obscured from view. “The tobacco industry is using vapes to lure the younger generation back to smoking habits,” he warned, drawing parallels to the decisive action taken against head shops in 2010, when products were banned overnight.

The councillor is particularly disheartened by the perceived inaction from Taoiseach Mícheál Martin, who previously received praise for his role in banning smoking in public spaces. “Now, under his watch, we are witnessing a resurgence of tobacco use among youth,” Ó hArgáin said, calling for concerted government efforts to combat this growing public health crisis.

He is urging Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill to swiftly implement a full ban on vapes, aligning Ireland with countries like Australia, where vapes are only available by prescription. “We need strong leadership to ensure health protection for our youth,” he emphasized.

Furthermore, Ó hArgáin supports calls from his colleague, Marie Sherlock TD, for the Health Service Executive (HSE) to allocate adequate resources for vaping cessation programs. “Many medical experts agree that quitting vaping can be as challenging as stopping smoking,” he noted, underscoring the urgent need for support systems.

As the debate intensifies, Kilkenny City residents are left to wonder what actions the government will take next. The implications of these decisions are significant, affecting not only public health but also the lives of countless young people in the community.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story and what it means for the future of vaping regulations in Kilkenny. For more details on the latest initiatives and community responses, keep following our coverage.