Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow John Brady and Bray Sinn Féin Councillor John Ward have called for immediate action to regulate the sale of nitrous oxide and THC and HHC vapes, warning that Wicklow communities cannot afford further delays.
Their call comes amid growing concern about the misuse of nitrous oxide and THC/HHC vapes, particularly among young people, and the Government’s continued failure to take action, including its decision to delay Sinn Féin legislation that would introduce a licensing system for wholesalers selling nitrous oxide products.
Teachta Brady said:
“I have seen first-hand the impact nitrous oxide misuse can have in our communities, and I am deeply concerned about its growing availability to young people.
“Nitrous oxide is too often portrayed as a harmless high, but that could not be further from the truth. Misuse can cause devastating health consequences, including serious neurological and nerve damage and, in some circumstances, death.
“The Government’s response has been completely inadequate. They have delayed legislation that would introduce proper regulation of nitrous oxide sales, kicking it down the road until October. Every month of delay leaves young people exposed to a substance that can cause serious and lasting harm.
“We are also seeing growing concerns around THC and HHC vapes, including reports of young people experiencing serious mental health consequences.
“I have been contacted by a number of parents who are deeply concerned about the impact that these vapes have had on their children. In several cases, parents have reported that their children experienced serious mental health episodes, including psychosis, following the use of these dangerous products.
“These accounts are extremely concerning and highlight the potentially devastating consequences that THC and HHC vapes can have on young people, particularly when the contents and strength of the products may be unknown or unreliable.
“Parents are understandably distressed and are calling for greater awareness of the risks, stronger safeguards, and urgent action to protect children and young people from these potentially harmful products.
“The general pattern is clear here however: new harmful substances become increasingly available, communities raise the alarm, and the Government waits until the problem has worsened.
“We need immediate, practical measures to regulate access to nitrous oxide and THC/HHC vapes, protect young people and support families and communities. We cannot wait for more young people to suffer before the Government acts.”
Councillor John Ward said:
“Across Bray, I have spoken to concerned parents, youth workers and teachers who are alarmed by the growing presence of nitrous oxide canisters in our communities.
“We are seeing canisters discarded in parks, playgrounds and other public spaces, and disposing of them safely presents a real challenge. These are not ordinary items of waste, and communities are being left to deal with the environmental and practical consequences of their widespread use.
“Of particular concern is the changing nature of these products. Where we previously saw smaller, single-use canisters, we are now seeing much larger canisters containing significantly greater quantities of nitrous oxide.
“To go along with the deeply concerning health ramifications of these canisters, there is also a very significant challenge of disposing of these used canisters.
“The Government has committed €3 million this year to waste management relating to nitrous oxide canisters seized by Customs.
“However, Wicklow County Council is not adequately equipped or resourced to dispose of the volume of canisters now being collected in communities.
“It makes little sense to spend millions dealing with the consequences while failing to regulate availability at source.
“The same lack of urgency applies to THC and HHC vapes, with families increasingly concerned about their impact on young people.
“We cannot continue allowing harmful substances to become widespread before action is taken.
“Wicklow communities have been raising these concerns for long enough. The Government must stop delaying and take meaningful action now.”
ENDS