A Tallaght senator has highlighted concerns over the growing use of nitrous oxide after nearly 200 discarded canisters were collected during a one-hour clean-up in the area.
Fianna Fáil Senator Teresa Costello was joined by former Tallaght Person of the Year Nico Crowley as they investigated how widespread the issue had become locally.
Together, they collected 198 nitrous oxide canisters from roadsides, housing estates, green spaces and church grounds in the Dublin neighbourhood.
Senator Costello said she is regularly contacted by people living locally about discarded canisters being found in the area.
She has also written to Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan, raising concerns about the misuse of nitrous oxide and calling for stronger action as recreational use becomes more widespread, particularly among young people.
She said the number of canisters found during the Tallaght clean-up was particularly concerning.
“It’s so worrying. The evidence today shows that it’s been used while driving. That’s overwhelmingly apparent to us. It’s clear to see from the huge quantities of these canisters that recreational use is becoming more widespread.”
Senator Costello said her main concern was the potential impact on people’s health rather than the litter itself.
“What concerns me most isn’t the litter, because litter can be fixed. It’s the health implications that can’t be undone. This isn’t something we can afford to ignore. The scale of what we found in just one hour shows the problem is growing, and we need to take it seriously before a tragedy occurs.”
Nitrous oxide, sometimes known as laughing gas, has legitimate uses including in food manufacturing and medical settings. However, recreational use can carry health risks.
The issue is also being addressed at EU level.
Minister O’Callaghan said tighter regulations are due to come into force in February next year, when nitrous oxide will be classified at EU level as a harmful substance.
The EU is also expected to introduce measures under the REACH chemicals regulation that would largely prevent the sale of nitrous oxide to members of the general public.
Specific legitimate uses, including applications in food manufacturing, would continue to be permitted.
The discovery of almost 200 canisters in Tallaght in just one hour has renewed concerns locally about the scale of recreational nitrous oxide use and the amount of waste being left in public areas.
Senator Costello is calling for action to address the issue before the situation becomes more serious, particularly given concerns around young people and the reported use of the substance while driving.
