Children's playgrounds in Fingal are set to become smoke-free areas after the county council announced plans to formally adopt a no smoking policy.

The move come after Meath County Council unanimously agreed on a motion to also make smoking illegal in playgrounds, the Irish Times reports.

Councillor Eoin Holmes helped bring the action to the attention of the Meath local authority after claiming smoking around children may encourage youngsters to take up the habit in the future.

"There is a clear and proven impact on children's health of secondary smoking. It is also a learnt behaviour and it endorses and normalises it," Mr Holmes remarked.

The councillor has called for signs to be erected at playgrounds in 15 locations and the Health Service Executive welcomed the move.

Smoking is already forbidden in enclosed places of work in Ireland, including office blocks, various buildings, public houses, bars, restaurants and company vehicles.

Written by Donal Walsh

Comments