The entire area of the Limerick Regional Hospital is to be a smoke-free zone from October 1st next and as from Ash Wednesday next year, no smoking will be allowed anywhere on the grounds of the hospital.
Making the announcement, Mr Paul Robinson, deputy chief executive officer for the Mid-Western Health Board, said that security would enforce the regulations.
Smoking is already prohibited in the wards and corridors.
Dr Kevin Kelleher, director of public health, said it was quite clear that smoking was the main risk factor associated with lung cancer. The campaign would focus particularly on young women. Most of the major industries and airlines, he said, no longer allowed smoking and there was no way people could be permitted to indulge in a practice which was declared injurious to health.
A statement by the Mid Western Health Board said following the national cancer strategy, it was found that 95 per cent of lung cancer deaths were directly attributed to cigarette smoking, "therefore, the reduction of this activity is of paramount importance".
It added that as a member of the Health Promoting Hospital network, "we aim to provide as safe an environment as possible for our visitors and staff".