Empty laughing gas cannisters 'everywhere' in Dundalk

Large, empty cans of nitrous oxide can be seen “every day of the week” in public areas in Dundalk, Louth Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú has told the Dáil during a debate on his party’s bill to regulate the sale of what is more commonly known as laughing gas.

The Sale of Nitrous Oxide and Related Products Bill 2025 was debated in Leinster House last week. The bill means that wholesalers will require a licence to sell nitrous oxide products and retailers who wish to sell nitrous oxide products would need to be on a register of approved retail sellers.

The approved sellers can then sell to exempt purchasers which include registered doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives, veterinarians, catering businesses that are licenced, food businesses and online sellers would only be able to sell to people holding a licence.

Deputy Ó Murchú said that while it is accepted there are legitimate uses of the gas, it is more and more common for it to be used by young people seeking a high.

He said he had seen three large, empty canisters while out walking at Christmas at the junction of the Blackrock Road and Red Barns Road.

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Deputy Ó Murchú said he had also seen eight or nine cannisters at the long term car park at the Ramparts a couple of months ago on his way to his constituency office.

He said: “We see them every day, every week, almost everywhere, in parks like the park in my own estate.

“I do not know how many times they have been posted on the neighbourhood watch Facebook page. They are everywhere”.

He outlined the harm that nitrous oxide can do, “including neurological harm, frostbite and burns, respiratory issues, nerve damage and right down to the mental health impact that we cannot even contemplate at this point”.

Deputy Ó Murchú urged the government to allow the bill through to the next stage.

He said: “The Minister and I have had many interactions on the fact that we have not got to grips with the impact drugs are having.

“Organised crime has a capacity and an ability and is making an absolute fortune out of this. Unfortunately, it is legal because we have not introduced the legislation.

“We heard recently from the Garda that there are 169 organised crime groups, with 65% involved in drugs. We need to get serious about the whole drugs issue and about nitrous oxide.

“The Minister can take action now. We would like to see the Government follow through and deliver for the young people out there”.