Smoke-free playgrounds

TWO Clare mayors will formally hand over official smoke-free signage to 12 playground committees next Monday.

Mayor of Clare, Councillor Tony Mulcahy and Mayor of Ennis Councillor, Frankie Neylon will launch the smoke-free playgrounds initiative to coincide with World No Tobacco Day.
Signage will be displayed at playground entrances requesting that anyone who enters the playground does not smoke.
This signage appeals to people’s goodwill and acts as a reminder that smoke free environments are best for children’s health. The signage also guides smokers towards quitting support services.
This initiative is a partnership approach between the HSE, Clare County Council, Clare Sports Partnership and participating community playground committees.
Clare HSE general manager, Mary Halpin, believes the authority’s Tobacco Control Framework will help to address and reduce the detrimental health effects of smoking and tobacco use in the county.
Project manager, Martina Blake, stated it has long been established that the behaviour of children is modelled on the behaviour of parents and other adults.
“The introduction of smoke-free playgrounds will ensure a tobacco-free environment for children in their recreational space.
“It has a huge number of benefits and fits extremely well with the policies contained within the framework.
“This initiative will help to de-normalise tobacco use, reduce litter, help prevent young people starting to smoke and reduce the exposure of children to second hand smoke – a known carcinogen,” she added.
Mary McMahon, smoking cessation specialist within Clare HSE, hopes this initiative will help to shift people’s awareness of the need to protect children from exposure to second hand smoke.
She also hopes it will encourage smokers to think again about quitting. Smokers are welcome to make an appointment with the smoking cessation service on 065 6865841.
Councillor Tony Mulcahy said the council has supported the development of 27 community playgrounds, in conjunction with local community groups, with a total investment of €2 million.
“By erecting these signs, local community groups are sending a clear message of the importance of ensuring that the playground environment continues to be a smoke free recreational area,” he said. 
Councillor Neylon said the promotion of smoke-free playgrounds is always welcome and a good place to start with regard to continuing the move away from smoking.
“The council has provided playgrounds in Cloughleigh and Stonecourt in Ennis.
“A playground is currently under construction in Lees Road Sports and Amenity Park and work will commence in the Tim Smythe Park later this year as part of an overall redevelopment,” he added.