Seanad debate examines planning powers to curb vape shop concentrations

The Government has been asked to consider planning restrictions and a dedicated planning category to manage concentrations of vape shops in Irish town centres.

Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Alison Comyn asked what planning powers local authorities require to curb the rapid growth of premises selling vapes and address clusters of similar retail outlets. Using Drogheda as an example, Comyn noted a count of 15 vape-selling premises, 14 mobile phone shops, 13 nail bars, and over ten barber shops across four central streets.

Comyn suggested exploring retail audits, a distinct planning use category for vape retailers to address mixed-use sales, and powers to assess commercial business concentrations. She also highlighted planning policies previously applied to fast-food outlets near schools, asking whether a comparable planning approach could be evaluated, alongside enhanced enforcement of heritage and shopfront signage rules.

Responding for the Government, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Christopher O'Sullivan noted the difficulty in balancing retail mix against the risk of commercial vacancy and dereliction. However, O'Sullivan confirmed that precedents exist where planning authorities established restrictions, such as "no-fry zones" near schools, and noted that the National Planning Framework contains policy objectives supporting public health.