Waterford locals speak on vape ban

The sale of disposable vapes is set to be banned. The new legislation proposes to ban the sale, manufacture or import of single-use or disposable vapes in Ireland. 

Waterford locals this week were asked for their take on the measure.

Dylan and Craig said they support the ban and they both have experienced the environmental impacts that vapes have.

Craig said: “I think banning them is brilliant because they’re extremely wasteful. So many people are buying disposables because its convenience. They’re really bad for the environment, it’s a no brainer. I was at the ploughing lately and it was disgusting. The entire ground was sheets of empty vape boxes."

Cian and Kailum also said they agree with the ban, saying that too many young people have easy access.

Cian commented: “I think they should be banned because there’s way too many young people using them. It’s a joke. I’m buzzing they’re banned because I'd never want to see my little brothers using them. They’re way too easy for young people to buy and I think its actually really impacting young people in sports too."

Kailum added: “The reason people smoke them I think is because its easy access, so banning them might be the only way to stop people from using them.” 

Former TD, John Halligan said he disagrees with the ban.

“I don’t think we want to reach a point where we’re banning things instead of offering education," he said.

“People over 18 should be allowed to make their own decisions. With the disposable vapes, the argument is that their bad for the environment. Surely the way forward is to educate people to dispose of them properly. Why don’t they ban tin cans? Tin cans are also being thrown everywhere. I don’t smoke myself, and I certainly don’t think they should be sold to people under 18, but I think we should have an education process instead of choosing to ban them."