The Government has said there are no plans for national smoking bans in parks and beaches.
In a statement, the Department of Health said its Tobacco Free Ireland programme aims to promote “tobacco-free environments” in parks, beaches and children’s playgrounds.
It said it aims to so by encouraging local authorities to introduce byelaws and voluntary measures.
“There are no current plans to legislate for smoke-free outdoor areas,” the Department said.
“Voluntary local actions are successful. As set out in the 2021 Tobacco Free Ireland Annual Report, the ‘Not Around Us’ Campaign, made up of local groups implementing smoke free spaces in their own areas, has continued to grow.
“Local Authorities in Wexford, Galway, and Meath launched their campaigns in 2021, promoting smoke free campuses in playgrounds and parks.”
The new proposals come after surveys recorded a slight increase in smoking last year.
Roughly half of smokers reported changes in smoking behaviours over the pandemic – with 28% saying they were now smoking than pre-pandemic.
Ireland became the first country in the world to outlaw smoking in the workplace 18 years ago.
