COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, July 13, 2020

QUESTION NO. 8

QUESTION: Councillor Shane Moynihan

To ask the Chief Executive if special measures are being put in place to collect and measure the volume of "nitrous oxide cylinders" which have become increasingly frequent in dumping around the county, and if he will make a statement on the matter. 

REPLY:

Nitrous Oxide Canisters in question are small steel canisters (typically the size of a person’s thumb) and are sold for use with catering equipment.  Evidence has shown there is an increase use of Nitrous Oxide gas (Laughing Gas) amongst teenagers as a form of a quick high. 

As part of cleansing operations, Public Realm crews dispose of the used canisters with other items of waste collected.  Based on the nature of the operation it is not practical to quantify or segregate waste items at the time of a litter pick.  It also is not possible to quantify used canisters that may have been disposed of in public bins.  Where crews have witnessed the reoccurrence of used canisters at sites,  supervisors have been informed. Based on the level of increased occurrences over recent months, SDCC have sought to highlight the issue by alerting parents to the issue and informing them of the health risks of the use of Nitrous Oxide through SDCC Social Media posts.  Extensive awareness highlighting the public health risks has also been evident in recent months through the HSE, Local Authorities and the Press Media.