Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, Conor D. McGuinness, has called on the Government to stop ignoring the growing problem of nitrous oxide misuse, saying communities are dealing with the consequences while Ministers continue to insist existing laws are sufficient.

Deputy McGuinness said he recently raised the issue at a meeting of the Waterford Community Safety Partnership in City Hall, attended by representatives of An Garda Síochána, the HSE and Waterford City and County Council. 

Deputy McGuinness said:

“Nitrous oxide misuse is becoming an increasingly visible issue in communities across Waterford. Residents regularly report discarded canisters in public spaces, while there is growing concern about the serious health risks associated with misuse, including permanent nerve and spinal cord damage.

“This is both a policing issue and public health issue. It requires a coordinated response involving Government, the HSE, local authorities and An Garda Síochána.

“I recently raised this at the Waterford Community Safety Partnership meeting in City Hall, where representatives of the Gardaí, the HSE and Waterford City and County Council were all present. There was clear recognition that this is an issue affecting communities and that it cannot be ignored.

“Despite this, the Minister for Justice continues to insist that the necessary legislation is already in place. That simply does not reflect the reality being experienced by communities across the country.

“My colleague Mark Ward TD has consistently highlighted the need to regulate the sale of nitrous oxide and has brought forward legislation to do just that. Government has delayed action while the problem has continued to grow. 

“An EU measure requiring member states to regulate the sale of nitrous oxide will not take effect until February 2027. There is no reason Ireland should wait until then when the harms are already evident.

“The Government needs to acknowledge the scale of this issue and introduce measures to regulate access to nitrous oxide while also investing in education, prevention and treatment. Communities in Waterford deserve a response that matches the seriousness of the problem.”