Sir, – I would like to start by congratulating Waterford County Council on the introduction of byelaws that will ban smoking in its parks.
As an elected councillor for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, I also brought a motion forward at a recent meeting that would restrict smoking in one of our parks. As someone who has suffered with a respiratory condition for almost 20 years, I understand the problems that result from passive smoking. Do people understand the damage that passive smoking does to those around them? If passive smoking is so harmless, why was a smoking ban introduced in indoor public places in 2004? On July 4th and 5th, the Irish Cancer Society’s Relay for Life will hold a 24-hour fundraising and public awareness event in Blackrock Park. The park will become a smoke-free zone for 24 hours. I urge as many people as possible to come along, support this event and experience for themselves the difference a total ban on cigarettes makes in a public space. – Yours, etc,
Cllr DEIRDRE DONNELLY,
Dún Laoghaire,
Co Dublin.