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McAuliffe calls on all festivals to ban on single-use vapes

Written by Fianna Fáil | 15 August 2024
Dublin TD urges other event organisers to follow Electric Picnic lead
 
Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe has called for all festivals to ban single-use e-cigarettes in a bid to protect the environment. 
 
The Dublin North West TD urged the organisers of thousands of national and community festivals and concerts across the country to prohibit disposable vapes due to their detrimental impact.
 
His plea comes after the organisers of Electric Picnic warned festival goers that single-use disposable vapes are prohibited at this year’s event and that if they fail to adhere to the ban they will be confiscated upon entry to the event.
 
“Single use vapes are a blight on our environment,” Deputy McAuliffe said. “They are hazardous if not recycled properly and it is clear most of these plastics are not recycled. They can be seen littered across the country in even the most remote locations. 
 
"It is well documented that they have a detrimental impact on the climate and our biodiversity. The lithium batteries within these vapes are very toxic form of litter.”  
 
He added: “I’m glad to see Electric Picnic banning them. I now urge all festival organisers across the country to follow suit and ban these single-use vapes at their events.
 
“There are thousands of festivals in towns and villages across this country every year. It would be heartening to see all of those event organisers protect their local biodiversity and prevent unnecessary litter by banning these terrible items.”
 
ENDS