‘Not Around Us’ campaign aims to create smoke and vape free environments for young people

Comhairle na nÓg support campaign launch in Longford

Press Release: Monday, 26 May 2025 

Healthy Longford in association with Longford County Council has launched the ‘Not Around Us’ campaign, which aims to create smoke and vape free environments for young people and to help de-normalise smoking and vaping for the next generation. The ‘Not Around Us’ campaign is another step Towards a Tobacco Free Longford and coincides with World No Tobacco Day which takes place on 31 May, 2025.

Healthy Ireland aims to create a country where everyone can enjoy good physical and mental health and wellbeing to their full potential. It also aims to create a country where wellbeing is valued and supported at every level of society. Funding of €75,000 was secured in 2025 for the ongoing delivery of Healthy Longford through the Healthy Ireland Fund. It is supported by the Department of Health and Pobal.

Healthy Longford, through consultation, set the following outcomes for the period of Healthy Ireland 2023-2025:

• Increase in % of adults and children meeting physical activity guidelines 
• Increase in individual's level of positive mental health as per Energy and Vitality Index 

The key campaign message is, if you smoke or vape, to consider your activity when around children and young people and listen to the ask from young people - ‘Not Around Us.’

The purpose of ‘Not Around Us’ in Longford is fourfold:

• Helping to protect children and young people from second-hand smoke exposure
• Contributing to the de-normalisation of smoking for children and young people through raising awareness and support amongst all stakeholders in the county on tobacco/vape free Ireland
• Reduce Environmental Nuisance, the cost of cleaning and damage that discarded tobacco products leave
• Signposting to HSE Quit services

Speaking in relation to the ‘Not Around Us’ campaign Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Casey said, “I am proud to support the ‘Not Around Us’ campaign. This initiative sends a clear and powerful message- that Longford County Council is committed to creating a healthier, cleaner environment for our children and young people. By making our public spaces smoke and vape free, we are protecting the next generation and setting a strong example that their health and wellbeing matters.”

Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon said, “The ‘Not Around Us’ campaign reflects our shared responsibility to foster safe, healthy environments where young people can thrive. This initiative aligns with our commitment to public health, wellbeing and creating spaces that support positive choices. We want our parks, playgrounds, and public areas to be places where families and young people feel protected and respected.”

Liam Doherty of Comhairle na nÓg encouraged the public to embrace the campaign saying, "People may not realise it straight away but this initiative will have a great effect on young people's health as it will prevent future illnesses and keep our air clean."

Ania Adler of Comhairle na nÓg agreed saying, "Hopefully younger kids won't be exposed to vaping in the future with this initiative."

The focus for ‘Not Around Us’ in Longford for 2025 is to establish links with playgrounds, outdoor gyms and skateparks. In 2026 it is envisaged to extend this to businesses/organisations and events. For more details on this initiative and how your business can get involved please contact HealthyLongford@longfordcoco.ie

The ‘Not around Us’ campaign in Longford has been progressed by Longford County Council, Healthy Ireland and supported by LCDC, Longford Comhairle na nÓg, Longford Westmeath Children and Young Peoples Services Committee, Longford Youth Services, HSE, EDI Centre Longford and An Garda Siochana, Longford. The campaign is also linked with the Longford County Council Parks, Playgrounds and Open Spaces Byelaws 2024, which state that all parks, children’s playgrounds, skateparks, and multi-use games areas (MUGA) provided by or under the control or management of the council are designated as Smoke Free and it is prohibited to smoke or use tobacco-based products within these areas.