A school in Cork is surrounded by 21 vape shops
Summary
Cork City Labour councillor Peter Horgan discusses the rapid proliferation of vape shops near schools, revealing that 77% of local schools have a nicotine retailer nearby. He criticizes the HSE for approving licenses without geographic restrictions, noting that no applications were refused in Cork and Kerry. Horgan advocates for stricter planning laws, higher licensing fees, and a pharmacy-only sales model to address the public health crisis.
Topics discussed
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Intro: 21 vape shops near Cork school
Regional Health Forum investigation into vapes
77% of schools near nicotine retailers
HSE licensing statistics for vape shops
Critique of HSE license approval process
Lack of geomapping and planning regulations
Efforts to update local development plans
Proposal for pharmacy-only vape sales
Comparison with alcohol sales restrictions
Australian model and HSE research commitment
Political pushback and public health concerns
Societal attitude towards vape proliferation
Need for government powers for local councils
Challenges of retrospective action on existing shops
Proposal to increase vape license costs
Marketing vapes to children and parents' fears
Closing remarks and listener call to action
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