Kerry’s youth council have expressed concerns that vape shops are targeting kids, highlighting the prevalence of them in towns across the county.
Members pointed to the visibility of shops on towns streets and the inclusion of sweets and toys, alongside nicotine products.
Brendan Locke, a Comhairle member from Ardfert, proposed a motion about the over concentration of vape shops and barbers at a recent Kerry Comhairle na nÓg meeting.
Attendees raised concerns over how vaping products are marketed and discussed reports of young people purchasing vapes without being asked for ID.
Aodhán Fitzgerald highlighted the differences in how vapes and cigarettes can be advertised, despite both being addictive, while Clodagh O’Shea spoke to the presence of products such as sweets and toys in some vape shops, arguing that this can have the effect of normalising vapes among young people.
The motion was seconded by Kieran Murphy who called on Kerry County Council to examine its town-centre policies to encourage a more balanced mix of businesses, that would make town centres more attractive and useful to young people.
It comes after Fine Gael Councillor Angie Baily criticised the brightly coloured shop fronts commonly associated with vape retailers, arguing that the designs help normalise vaping and make it appear harmless.
Recent HSE figures show roughly one in five young people aged 15 to 18 say they vape, while the figure for adults is about one in 12.
The youth council also passed a motion on the delay to the opening of the Fenit Beach facility.
The new €1.3 million facility at Fenit Beach has remained closed throughout the summer despite having been completed on schedule.
Kerry County Council said in July that while the building is externally substantially complete, there were ongoing internal fit-out and commissioning works.
Comhairle member Christian Gleasure highlighted that this had denied young people from accessing much-needed changing, shower, toilet and locker facilities.
“As someone from the Fenit area, who saw huge numbers of people using our award winning beach during the beautiful weather, I think it’s ridiculous that the facility stayed shut all summer when it was most needed,” said Christian.
“It was completed on time and meant to open by the start of the summer. I am asking for an explanation.”
The motions have been referred to Kerry County Council through official channels and Kerry Comhairle na nÓg expected to recieve feedback in due course.
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