The information requested is not available from the Planning Authority as the planning system does not recognise vape shops as a distinct land use category. Vape shops generally operate from premises that fall within the broader retail/shop use class and such premises are not separately identified or recorded by the Planning Authority.

There are no specific policies or guidance contained in national planning policy, the South Dublin County Development Plan 2022–2028, or any relevant plan relating specifically to vape shops. However, the Council notes correspondence issued by Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, to local authority Chief Executives which requested that local authorities consider incorporating provisions in future Development Plans to limit the number and concentration of e-cigarette and vape retail outlets in town and village centres. The correspondence highlighted public health concerns associated with vaping and suggested that Development Plans could consider measures such as limits on the number of vape shops within town and village centres or minimum distances between such shops and schools. This will be considered as part of the review and preparation of a new County Development Plan. 

Shops (which would include vape shops) benefit from significant exemptions under the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended). Consequently, in many cases, a change from one retail use to another retail use, including a vape shop, may constitute exempted development and would not require planning permission. As a result, the Council does not maintain a register of vape shops, their locations, or concentrations across the County.

From an enforcement perspective, the Council has received one complaint relating to a vape shop since January 2026. That investigation has concluded and the file is now closed.

In relation to commercial rates, vape shops are not identified as a separate category by Tailte Éireann for valuation and rating purposes and would generally be recorded within the broader retail category. Accordingly, it is not possible to extract a definitive list of vape shops from the commercial rates database.