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Irish Times
7 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Vape shops selling Dubai chocolate and Prime energy drinks branded ‘a new low'
An emerging trend in which vape stores have begun to sell highly sought-after sweets, drinks and snacks, including the viral Dubai chocolate bar , has been described as a 'new low' for the industry. The shops have started to stock food items rarely seen in mainstream grocery stores, usually labelled as 'American candy' or 'American snacks'. This is alongside the sale of trending food items and drinks often boosted in popularity on social media platforms such as TikTok , including the now-famous Dubai chocolate bars and Prime energy drinks . Chris Macey, director of advocacy with the Irish Heart Foundation , which has long called for restrictions on vapes, believes the development could 'normalise vaping in the eyes of children'. READ MORE 'Pairing sweets and vapes as though they are similar tasty treats represents a new low for an industry whose business model depends to a large extent on addicting as many young people as possible to nicotine,' he said. Mr Macey said the issue suggests a need to examine regulation of the promotion and sale of vapes in conjunction with sweets and 'other products aimed at children' alongside the 'brightly coloured' facades of vape stores. Fine Gael senator Mark Duffy, who described the move as 'predatory', said it has 'proliferated across the country'. Mr Duffy, who previously raised the issue in the Seanad after one such store opened in Ballina, Co Mayo, hopes to introduce a Bill this year to amend existing legislation and 'break up the association between vapes and things that generally attract children and young people'. 'If you just took out vapes and replaced it with cigarettes, you have cigarettes and candy. It's not a good look,' he said. 'I've had so many concerned citizens highlighting this. People take great offence to it in the community because of concerns for their children.' Mr Duffy said a landlord in Westport had terminated the lease of one such newly opened store late last year after public backlash. 'We need to have legislation that does not rely on the goodwill of a landlord but tackles it at source,' he said. Many stores also sell vaping products and jellies containing hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), a semi-synthetic cannabinoid that health officials have warned can induce psychosis . While several owners of vape stores selling popular food items did not wish to speak to The Irish Times, one said he has 'definitely' seen an increase in customer numbers since he recently began to do so. Asked if the move might be enticing younger people into the stores, he said: 'No, not really. We don't sell them to younger people. We check their IDs.' He added: 'Other shops, like Spar and Centra, have vapes as well, and they're selling ice cream to kids.'
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Health
- RTÉ News
Ban on sale of single-use vapes comes into effect in NI
A ban on the sale and supply of single-use vapes comes into effect in Northern Ireland today. It means that for a time at least there will be different approaches on both sides of the border. In the Republic, the Government is drafting equivalent legislation, but it is not ready yet. Notification to the EU will also delay implementation for a number of months. The Irish Heart Foundation has said while the situation persists children in the north are being better protected than those in the south and wants the Government to fast-track the law. The cabinet agreed to implement a ban last year, but work was interrupted when the Dáil was dissolved for the election. The new law in Northern Ireland makes it a criminal offence to sell or supply single-use vapes with a maximum penalty of up to two years in jail and a fine. Businesses have been given six months to prepare for the change by selling existing stock. Similar laws are being enacted by devolved administrations in England, Wales and Scotland today too, effectively making it a UK-wide ban. It is estimated that five million disposable vapes are thrown away in the UK every week. Stormont Environment Minister Andrew Muir said it was a "milestone day". He said the Executive had been prompted to act by the environmental and health risks posed by single-use vapes. Many are littered by users, and the product has proven popular with young teenagers who sometimes progress to tobacco products. Paper stickers, which users must remove to activate the vape are routinely stuck on litter bins creating an unsightly mess. There have also been concerns that the multitude of flavours and the branding is marketing the products at children. "The environmental consequences around this are significant. We're also very aware that in terms of disposable vapes they can be much more attractive for younger people, and we want to be able to tackle that," Minister Muir said. Research in Northern Ireland shows that one in five of 11–16-year-olds have tried vapes, even though the legal age for purchase is 18. The Irish Heart Foundation said it had taken a considerable period to get agreement on a single use vapes ban over the line in the Republic, and it now wanted to make sure there was rapid progress. Director of advocacy with the Irish Heart Foundation Chris Macey said: "We're sort of lagging a bit behind. I suppose our concerns is that it took years to get the ban on the sale of vapes to U-18s over the line and we just want to make sure there's no undue delay on this occasion because as long as there is children in this part of the country won't be as well protected as children in the north." Mr Macey added: "Disposable vapes have been a big contributor to the explosion of youth vaping in Ireland and everything that goes with that, the nicotine addiction that is seen by research to be a likely gateway into smoking, which is still killing 12 people a day in Ireland." Mr Macey said research showed that children who vape are three to five times more likely to end up smoking, and statistics showed that around a third of 15-16-year-olds in the Republic have vaped.
Sunday World
3 days ago
- Sport
- Sunday World
Duo kick off epic run the length of Ireland in aid of Pieta House
The lads say they are doing the run 'for those who can't' Dubliner Bill Staunton and Donegal man Barry Lee yesterday kicked off their 10-day journey by beginning their run from Mizen Head to Malin Head. 'I've always had a strong sporting background and a passion for pushing myself both mentally and physically,' explains Bill, who hails from Balscadden in north Co Dublin and currently lives in Sydney. 'The Wild Irish Run is my first endurance challenge of this scale, and it's something I've felt deeply compelled to take on.' Poster for the Wild Irish Run Barry, who hails from Letterkenny, also lives in Sydney. 'He has a strong sporting background and, last year, he ran 126km in a single day around Centennial Park in Sydney, raising funds for the Irish Heart Foundation,' explains Bill. The lads are geared up for their epic run. 'The run is a 10-day journey from Mizen Head in Co Cork to Malin Head in Co Donegal, covering approximately 550km,' notes Terenure College and UCD graduate Bill. 'It's in support of Pieta House, a charity that provides vital services for people affected by suicide and self-harm. 'Our tagline is 'Do it for those who can't', which reflects our motivation to honour those who are struggling or no longer with us. 'We're grateful to have the support of Donegal Motorhomes, who have kindly sponsored a camper van for the event. 'This will serve as our base each day throughout the run, and their support has been a huge help in making this journey possible.' The duo hope to complete their run on June 7. Bill Staunton and Barry Lee News in 90 Seconds - May 30th 'Our aim is not just to raise funds, but also to spark conversation, connection, and hope across the country,' he beams. 'This is a very personal mission for both of us, and it means a lot to have support from family and friends. 'We're also inviting anyone who feels inspired to join us for a few kilometres along the way, to help us spread the message that no one has to face mental health struggles alone. Whether people run, walk, or just show up for support, every bit of energy adds to the cause.' The lads have so far raised over €8,000 of their €20,000 target for the charity. * Donations can be made on GoFundMe here.
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Former Louth and Armagh inter-county star Padraig O'Neill to be remembered with charity walk
The walk in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation is being organised by Cillian O'Neill and will take place on Saturday, July 19. The route will take walkers across the Cooley mountains from The Lumpers Bar in Ravensdale and down into Carlingford, where Padraig, who was affectionately known as 'Bucket', had lived with his family at Grove Road. The Newry-native moved to Carlingford with his family at a young age, and during the course of his career lined out for both Louth and Armagh. He first played Gaelic football to a high standard as a student at the Abbey Christian Brothers' Grammar School in Newry and as a student of Ulster University, won three Sigerson Cup titles. His club career began at juvenile level with Cumann Peile Cuchulainn before moving to the Cooley Kickhams underage sides. Louth MFC and Louth U21FC titles followed and he made his senior team debut in 1982. He won several Cardinal O'Donnell Cup and ACC Cup titles in a lengthy career that ended in 2005. He captained Armagh minors when they were defeated by Derry in the 1984 Ulster MFC final. He went on to play for the under-21 team and was also part of the senior team beaten by Donegal in the 1990 Ulster SFC final. He later declared for the Louth senior football team. On his retirement from playing, he was involved in team management and coaching. He was manager of the Naomh Malachi team when they won the Louth IFC title in 2009, and was also associated with the Cuchulainn Gaels and Cooley Kickhams. The 58-year-old suffered a fatal heart attack on is way home from the 2024 All-Ireland SFC semi-final and died at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, on July 20 last. Now his family and those organising the walk are hoping that his friends from college, work and the world of GAA will join in the walk, celebrate his memory and raise funds for the Irish Heart Foundation. Anyone interested in taking part is asked to contact Daryl Bailey on 087 905 4282 and let him know they can join the hike. A donation of €25 per person is being requested.
Irish Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Laws to ban disposable vapes should be fast-tracked, heart charity says
Laws to ban disposable vapes should be fast-tracked in a bid to stub out the e-cigarette 'epidemic,' a heart-health charity has declared. The devices will be banned in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK from June 1, and the Irish Heart Foundation wants the rule to extend to the Republic of Ireland as well. The move comes after cabinet approved draft laws tabled by the then Health Minister Stephen Donnelly last September to ban single-use vapes after Government research concluded they are relatively cheap and disproportionately used by younger people. The call comes ahead of 'World No Tobacco Day', which will take place this Saturday, May 31. The Irish Heart Foundation said Ireland spearheaded the workplace smoking ban, which came into effect in 2004 - but that we were losing the battle against youngsters vaping. Mark Murphy, who is the charity's senior policy manager, said: 'In light of the forthcoming UK ban, Ireland needs to follow suit - and fast. 'We need an all-island ban on single-use e-cigarettes, which are detrimental to young people's health and overturning the strides Ireland has made in reducing nicotine addiction. 'However, even if we successfully introduce a ban on these vapes, we need to future-proof it to avoid loopholes which e-cigarette companies will do everything to exploit.' Mr Murphy also revealed that some of the loopholes manufacturers are using to get around new rules include creating super-sized 'Big Puff' devices which offer up to 6,000 puffs compared to the usual 600. These do not breach existing law as their tanks contain 2ml of vape liquid. The UK hopes the new rules will have positive health and environmental implications. The devices contain lithium-ion batteries, which present a fire hazard and lead to the loss of valuable metals. It is estimated a million single-use vapes are thrown away there every day. Public sentiment here also supports a crackdown - Ipsos research for the Irish Heart Foundation in 2023 showed that 64 per cent of people back the banning of disposable e-cigarettes in Ireland. Belgium and France have taken action on disposable vapes, whilst other countries have banned child-friendly flavours and introduced plain packaging. Mr Murphy added: 'It makes no sense to have a two-tier island where single-use vapes are banned in Northern Ireland but freely available in the Republic. 'Vaping can affect teenage brain development, damage blood vessels, cause high blood pressure, cause changes in heart rhythm, and have serious effects on the respiratory system. 'Worst of all, research indicates that vaping is a gateway to smoking, which is still claiming 12 lives every day in Ireland, making it our biggest cause of preventable death.' The Irish Heart Foundation is also seeking a dedicated quitline for vaping, tailored to young adults. Meanwhile, the latest Irish European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) Report found that 32 per cent of respondents have tried e-cigarettes, with 16 per cent stating that they are current users. A total of 24 per cent of the 15-16 year olds surveyed reported that they have tried smoking, with 12 per cent stating that they are current smokers. Last year, a Royal College of Surgeons study found cancer and lung injuries are 'almost a certainty' in the future for long-term vape users. Flavoured vapes mimicking fruit, candy and dessert flavours are the most concerning, Professor of Chemistry at RCSI and lead author of the study Dr Dónal O'Shea said. These flavours are more dangerous and need 'urgent attention' as they contain anywhere from six to 20 different chemicals to make the commercial flavour. The study, which was conducted using artificial intelligence, found that once these chemicals were heated, very toxic compounds were detected. Fruit and candy-flavoured vapes had the most volatile carbonyls (VCs) present, which are known to pose serious health risks such as cancer and pulmonary disease. The study noted that the 'cocktail of chemicals' used in these flavours were never intended to be heated to high temperatures for inhalation. A total of 127 hazardous chemicals detected from vapes used in the study were classified as 'Acute Toxic', 153 as 'Health Hazards' and 225 as 'Irritants'. While vape manufacturers say their products are targeted at people trying to quit smoking cigarettes, Professor O'Shea says vaping causes a 'different profile of chemical hazards' compared to tobacco.
