The growing number of vape shops in Drogheda and the future of the M1 toll at Julianstown were among the local issues raised by Senator Alison Comyn at the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party Think-In in Tullamore this week.
Senator Comyn said she raised concerns about the number of businesses selling vaping products while also operating as sweet shops, gift shops and phone shops.
She said the issue had become increasingly visible in Drogheda and called for stronger measures to address its impact on young people and the appearance of town centres.
“I have watched these shops proliferate across Drogheda and increasingly across towns and cities throughout the country. This is a public health issue, a planning issue and a serious issue for our public realm,” she said.
“What particularly concerns me is the way many are deliberately targeting younger people. Bright colours, sweets and the whole ‘candy store’ presentation are being used to attract a younger market while vaping products are sold alongside them.”
Comyn said she believes more needs to be done to prevent young people being attracted to vaping and also raised concerns about some shopfronts in Drogheda.
“In a heritage town like Drogheda, the gaudy signage and cheap-looking shopfronts are also damaging our streetscape,” she said.
Taoiseach backs examination of vape shop issue
Taoiseach Micheál Martin subsequently said local authorities should examine the proliferation of vape shops from a planning perspective.
Comyn welcomed the issue being raised at Government level.
“This is why these parliamentary meetings matter. I brought what I am seeing on the streets of Drogheda into that room, and it is encouraging to see the issue being taken seriously at the highest level of Government,” she said.
M1 toll also raised
Comyn also renewed her call for a review of the M1 toll at Julianstown, which is a regular cost for many motorists travelling between Drogheda, East Meath and Dublin.
The toll applies on the M1 between Junction 7 at Julianstown and Junction 10 at Drogheda North. The current PPP concession is due to expire in 2034.
Comyn said the future of the toll should be examined well before the existing arrangement ends.
“With around seven years remaining on the 30-year arrangement, we cannot wait until the contract is about to expire before deciding what happens next,” she said.
“Every option should be examined, including relocating the toll, finding an alternative arrangement or ultimately scrapping it altogether.”
She said the cost is particularly significant for people who use the motorway every day for work.
“For many people locally this isn’t an occasional motorway charge. It is a daily cost simply for travelling to and from work,” she said.
The issues formed part of wider discussions on the cost of living, housing, education, childcare, sport and investment in local communities.
“At a time when Government is focused on easing the cost of living, we have to examine whether this arrangement remains fair.”
Senator Comyn said she intends to continue discussions about the toll with Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien and Minister of State Thomas Byrne.
