The Council is currently in the process of appointing a contractor to dispose of nitrous oxide canisters.

The illegal dumping of nitrous oxide canisters has become an increasing issue in a number of locations across the county. To date, over 2,000 canisters have been collected through Council clean-up operations and through support provided to community groups undertaking local clean-up initiatives.

In addition to their impact on the appearance of public spaces, discarded canisters may present health and safety risks to members of the public and community volunteers.

As nitrous oxide canisters require specialist disposal, the estimated cost of disposing of the canisters collected to date is in the region of €20,000. These costs are being met from existing Council resources but place additional pressure on Public Realm maintenance budgets.

Given the increasing number of canisters being reported and collected, additional budget provision will be required in future years to support the safe collection, storage and disposal of these materials.

Where community groups collect discarded nitrous oxide canisters from gardens or private property, they can contact the Public Realm Section at publicrealm@sdublincoco.ie. Arrangements can then be made for the canisters to be collected or for a suitable drop-off location to be agreed.

The Council will continue to monitor the issue and encourages the public to report locations where nitrous oxide canisters have been dumped so that appropriate clean-up and enforcement action can be taken where necessary.