Further outcry over nitrous oxide dumping dilemma in Kildare

Kildare County Council admitted last year that it has no suitable facilities to store and dispose of the canisters

By Ciarán Mather Published 5th Oct 2026, 15:00 BST Updated 5th Oct 2026, 15:00 BST Further outcry over nitrous oxide dilemma in Kildare | FILE PHOTOGRAPH Kildare County Council admitted last year that it has no suitable facilities to store and dispose of the canisters There has been further outcry over the presence of dumped nitrous oxide cannisters in County Kildare .

It follows the recent discovery of a number of cannisters on The Curragh .

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Photographs of the cannisters have since been widely circulated on social media.

Read More 'Gets things done': Kildare branch of Labour Party gains new councillor Popular Kildare hotel to host Spooky Music Bingo event "I’m really excited to now bring my music and experience to Milan" - Kildare musician Experts pinpoint when autumn chill will return after 'crazy' 20 degree October warmth Previously, Kildare County Council (KCC) admitted back in 2025 that it has no suitable facilities to store and dispose of the canisters.

Since then, the issue has been raised repeatedly by a number of Kildare county councillors.

And now, two local councillors from Newbridge, in addition to a TD for Kildare South, have once again raised the issue following the latest discovery of nitrous oxide cannisters on The Curragh.

Explaining his view on the matter, Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender said: “The discovery of these canisters on The Curragh is very concerning.

“There is a serious public health issue here, particularly for young people, alongside a clear failure when it comes to regulation and safe disposal.”

Cllr Chris Pender (Social Democrats) | FILE PHOTOGRAPH He also said: “The health risks associated with recreational nitrous oxide use should not be underestimated; the HSE warns that it can cause breathing difficulties, fainting and loss of consciousness.

Moreover, Cllr Pender pointed out: “Heavy or repeated use can cause vitamin B12 deficiency and serious neurological damage, including numbness, loss of co-ordination, muscle weakness and difficulty walking.”

The other Newbridge-based councillor has raised the matter is Fine Gael Cllr Peggy O’Dwyer , who said: “This is an ongoing issue, and unfortunately, the disposal of the canisters remains an outstanding issue.

“Their use as a recreational product is both dangerous and the long-term effects are well documented.”

Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer (Fine Gael) | FILE PHOTOGRAPH She continued: “I sit on the Environment SPC within KCC and it was previously listed for discussion; the response was it had to be resolved at a national level.

“I have it listed for full council discussion October 26, 2026, but I advise the public not to try and dispose of them as there maybe residual gas within the chamber which is volatile.”

Cllr O’Dwyer further said: “I note that there is a facility to dispose of at another depot through the disposal into a protective cage where they are then dealt with separately, but I need to get more information on it.”

She concluded by saying that she would provide an update following the response at the next full KCC meeting.

Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh, TD for Kildare South (Sinn Féin) | FILE PHOTOGRAPH In addition, Sinn Féin TD for Kildare South, Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh , had this to say about the situation: “The discovery of nitrous oxide cannisters on The Curragh is extremely concerning and reflects a growing trend across the State.

“A four-fold increase in hospitalisations from nitrous oxide misuse has been reported between 2023 and 2020, with the average ages of those hospitalised being late teens and early twenties.

“The disposal of these dangerous cannisters is already costing councils millions.

“This must be nipped in the bud before getting out of control in Kildare.”

She concluded by calling on Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to support her party’s legislation ‘at committee stage’ in November, in order to ‘finally get to grips with the scourge of nitrous oxide’.

Senator Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fáil) | FILE PHOTOGRAPH Lastly, Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O’Loughlin also gave her views on the dilemma created by dumped nitrous oxide cannisters.

She elaborated: “Apart from the litter aspect, there is something far more worrying-the health impact on young people using this substance.

“A new Irish study, which was led by Professor Seamus Looby at Beaumount hospital, shows that young people in Ireland are increasingly being diagnoses with spinal cord damage caused by the recreational use of nitrous oxide. “

The Newbridge-based Senator continued: “Apart from that, it is of course an environmental issue also; I have raised this in the Seanad, and it is shocking that there is no coordinated effort at local authority level to collect and dispose.

“ It is illegal to sell these canisters to under 18 year olds, but it is complicated by the fact that these canisters have a legitimate use in industry.

“I have also raised this with Minister for Justice [Jim O’Callaghan TD, Fianna Fáil] and the Minister for Drugs Strategy [Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, Fianna Fáil], who are working on a policy to address this, along with and education and awareness programme.”

She also expressed gratitude ‘wonderful volunteers’ who go out and help clean The Curragh and other areas that are commonly littered.

Senator O’Loughlin concluded: “We need action at Council level, and fast.”