A Waterford TD is calling on the Government to take stronger action to tackle what he says is the growing misuse of nitrous oxide in communities across the county.

Sinn Féin TD Conor McGuinness says concerns about the issue were recently raised at a meeting of the Waterford Community Safety Partnership in City Hall, attended by representatives from An Garda Síochána, the HSE and Waterford City and County Council.

Mr. McGuinness says residents are regularly reporting discarded nitrous oxide canisters in public places and warned there is increasing concern about the serious health risks associated with misuse, including permanent nerve and spinal cord damage.

Mr. Guinness says the issue should be treated as both a policing and public health matter, requiring a coordinated response involving Government, health services, local authorities and An Garda Síochána.

The Waterford TD has criticised the Government for maintaining that existing legislation is sufficient, saying that does not reflect the reality being experienced by communities.

Mr. McGuinness is calling for the sale of nitrous oxide to be regulated before new European Union rules come into effect in February 2027, while also urging greater investment in education, prevention and treatment programmes.

Mr. McGuinness says communities in Waterford deserve a response that matches the seriousness of the issue.