Tallaght clean‑up finds nearly 200 nitrous oxide canisters in just one hour

Nearly 200 discarded nitrous oxide canisters were collected in just one hour during a clean-up in Tallaght, including some found at roadsides that raised questions about the “epidemic.”

Dublin South-West Senator Teresa Costello and local volunteer Nico Crowley gathered up 198 canisters in an hour-long drive around Aylesbury, Kiltipper, Millbrook lawns, Seskin View and other parts of the local community, discovering canisters on roadsides, in housing estates, on green spaces, and on church grounds.

Nitrous oxide is also known as laughing gas that when inhaled causes quick and short-lasting effects, and over time can cause long-term complications for the user if used often.

It can come in the form of small canisters dubbed whippets or larger, industrial-sized canisters – the gas is used medically and also in cooking.

Many of the canisters dotted around the area can be seen to have FastGas branding – a product described as “the bestselling European quality N2O for wholesale price” at fast-gas.com.

The website maintains that the product is for businesses only and states upon entry that “the content provided herein is intended solely for business entities engaged in the food service industry and aims to reflect the character and commercial positioning of our brands.”

Senator Costello called for stronger action on nitrous oxide misuse and noted that the locations some were discovered in raise further questions about their use.

Senator Costello said: “It’s so worrying. The evidence shows that it’s been used while driving. That’s overwhelmingly apparent to us…it’s clear to see from the huge quantities of these canisters that recreational use is becoming more widespread.

“What concerns me most isn’t the litter, because litter can be fixed. It’s the health implications that can’t be undone”

The local senator has written to Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan TD to raise concerns about nitrous oxide misuse and its growing prevalence, particularly among young people.

Minister O’Callaghan said that stricter controls will be introduced in February 2027 as nitrous oxide will be classified at EU level as a harmful substance.

The EU is also expected to bring in rules under the REACH chemicals regulation that will largely prohibit the sale of nitrous oxide to the public, while still allowing certain legitimate uses, such as in food production.

The scale of the issue can be seen across our local areas on a daily basis, with Clondalkin, Lucan and Ballyfermot, as well as other parts of Dublin affected.

Presentations to hospitals in the last few years have been covered by numerous studies that document long-term health problems from neurological conditions to spinal damage and more.

Dublin Mid-West TD Mark Ward visited Veolia Ireland in Fermoy, Co. Cork to see the recycling technology used to dispose of nitrous oxide canisters.

Deputy Ward noted that the facility has disposed of over 120,000 nitrous oxide canisters in the last year and described it as an “epidemic” affecting our communities.

Deputy Ward stated: “There has also been a 175 per cent increase in the amount of young people accessing the HSE Adolescent Addiction Services for treatment.

“The Clondalkin Youth Drug and Alcohol disclosed that children accessing their service as young as 12 are using nitrous oxide.

“We have also had reports from waste management services who have environmental concerns about discarded canisters causing explosions in their treatment plants causing millions of euros in damage.

“Veolia have designed technology that disposes of this gas in an environmentally friendly way that has full approval of the EPA.

“They also recycle the metal cannister, the brass top and the plastic bottom of the canister.

“The fact that they have disposed of over 120,000 canisters in the last year shows that nitrous oxide misuse is an epidemic.”