Members of Kerry Comhairle na nÓg in Tralee on Saturday following their meeting, pictured with Kerry Community Youth Services (KCYS) CEO Seamus Whitty.KERRY Comhairle na nÓg, the county ’s official youth council, passed two motions at its most recent meeting on Saturday in Tralee, which have been referred to Kerry County Council.
Brendan Locke, a Comhairle member from Ardfert, proposed a motion about the over concentration of vape shops in towns across Kerry.
He was particularly concerned that the prevalence and visibility of vape shops can contribute to the normalisation of vaping among young people.
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Other Comhairle members raised concerns about young people’s access to vapes and how vaping products are marketed.
Members discussed reports of young people purchasing vapes without being asked for ID, while Aodhán Fitzgerald raised concerns about differences in how vapes and cigarettes can be advertised, despite both being addictive.
Clodagh O’Shea highlighted the presence of products such as sweets and toys in some vape shops, arguing that this can have the effect of normalising vapes and making them seem cool to young people.
The motion, seconded by Kieran Murphy, called on Kerry County Council to examine its planning and town-centre policies to encourage a more diverse and balanced mix of businesses that make town centres more attractive and useful to young people. It passed unanimously.
“I think it’s unbelievable, it’s definitely an issue. I just don’t think that vape shops should be around in that multitude,” said Brendan Locke.
The youth council also unanimously passed a motion proposed by Christian Gleasure, another Comhairle member, about the Fenit facility delay, seconded by Brendan Locke.
It expressed disappointment that the new €1.3 million water facility at Fenit Beach, despite being completed on schedule and due to open in the second quarter of 2026, remained closed throughout the busy summer months, denying young people access to much-needed changing, shower, toilet and locker facilities.
“As someone from the Fenit area, who saw huge numbers of people using our award winning beach during the beautiful weather, I think it’s ridiculous that the facility stayed shut all summer when it was most needed. It was completed on time and meant to open by the start of the summer. I am asking for an explanation for the delay and for the Council to finally provide an opening date,” Christian said.
The motions have been referred to Kerry County Council through official channels and Kerry Comhairle na nÓg will receive feedback in due course.
