Increase use of nitrous oxide is causing concern in Dublin, councillor says

The increasing use of nitrous oxide as a recreational drug in Dublin is causing serious concern, a Sinn Fein councillor says.

Daithí Doolan, a councillor for the Ballyfermot-Drimnagh area, was speaking after he found an industrial size canister of the gas on Monday evening.

“I found an industrial sized can of nitrous oxide in Drimnagh. This is deeply concerning,” Doolan says.

“This is a product designed for use in medical and industrial environment. It is commonly known as ‘laughing gas’.

“The company pride themselves on their website that will send nitrous oxide directly to the purchaser in discrete packaging with out any labeling.

“Clearly they know its being bought for non industrial use.

“Sometimes young people put it in balloons and inhale it or inhale it from ‘silver bullets’. Inhaling this industrial gas can be dangerous.

“Residents and youth services have confirmed with me that industrial sized canisters have been found right accross Dublin,” he says.

Doolan says that if parents are worried or suspect that their child is inhaling the gas, they should talk to them about its dangers.

“I would make a plea to parents. If you do suspect your child or any young person is inhaling nitrous oxide, don’t panic,” he says.

“Don’t bury your head in the sand. You’re not alone. Get information about it. Talk to your children about it.”

More information can be found at www.dublin12ldatf.ie