Councillor Seeks Local Authority Power to Regulate Vape Shops

A local councillor in Louth is advocating for legislation that would empower local authorities to close vape shops in response to rising health concerns associated with vaping. Independent Councillor Ciarán Fisher, representing Dundalk and Carlingford, expressed alarm over the increasing number of vape shops in the area, emphasizing the potential health risks linked to vaping, including heart disease, lung disease, and cancer.

Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, Fisher highlighted the serious implications of vaping, particularly among young people. He noted instances where individuals experienced severe reactions to vaping, requiring emergency medical care. “I have grave concerns about the proliferation and saturation of vape shops,” he stated. Fisher is proposing that local councils should have the authority to assess the density of these shops and implement restrictions based on community needs.

Fisher further suggested that legislation should require a change of use for any commercial property converting to a vape shop. “We are witnessing a trend where commercial units are being transformed into vape shops, especially in urban areas,” he explained. He emphasized the necessity for local authorities to have the ability to reverse decisions related to vape shop locations, particularly near schools, to protect public health.

The councillor expressed deep concerns regarding the addictive nature of vaping products. “I think there’s a huge problem when you’re selling a product that is addictive,” he remarked. Fisher pointed out that while smoking rates have declined in the country, there has been a significant increase in both vaping and young vapers. He called for urgent action to limit access to vaping products, thereby reducing nicotine addiction among the youth.

Earlier this month, the Government introduced the Tobacco Products and Nicotine-Inhaling Products Amendment Bill 2026, which aims to restrict advertising of vaping products. However, Fisher criticized the legislation as insufficient, arguing that it does not grant local authorities the necessary powers to manage the locations of vape shops effectively.

“They certainly don’t empower the local authorities in eliminating the location of vape shops,” Fisher said. He urged the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Office of Planning to consider granting local councils the authority to designate vape shops as requiring a change of use. “I know that the planners in Dundalk and Drogheda would appreciate these powers to address the issue of vape shop proliferation,” he added.

In response to the growing concerns about vaping, the Health Service Executive (HSE) continues to offer support for individuals seeking to quit vaping, emphasizing the importance of public health initiatives aimed at reducing nicotine dependency.

As discussions around vaping regulations unfold, the call for local authority intervention highlights the ongoing debate regarding public health and the need for comprehensive measures to protect communities from the potential harms of vaping.