HSE finds no illegal vape sales in Sligo-Leitrim during 2025 checks
HSE inspections in 2025 found no illegal sales of nicotine inhaling products to minors in Sligo–Leitrim and West Cavan, but the number of checks was low.
No illegal sales of nicotine inhaling products to minors were detected in the Sligo-Leitrim and West Cavan area during HSE test purchase inspections in 2025, according to figures from the Health Service Executive’s National Environmental Health Service (NEHS), however the number of inspections carried out in the area was small.
In 2025, seven test purchase inspections were carried out in the Sligo-Leitrim and West Cavan area by the NEHS.
This compares to 2024, when two non-compliant test purchase inspections were recorded in the area, resulting in prosecutions and convictions.
Just seven test purchases were carried out in each of the years outlined, which is low for a large area. In addition, 27 inspections of retailers took place in 2025 in the area.
This information was revealed in response to a motion by Sligo County Councillor Marie Casserly at a meeting of the Regional Health Forum, who said that, “Re the sale of vape products to minors, this forum calls on the HSE and relevant enforcement agencies to ensure strict enforcement of legislation, increase inspections of retail premises, and provide an update on measures in place to prevent the sale of vaping products to under-18s.”
The information in the response was provided by John Fitzmaurice, Integrated Health Area Manager for Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal and West Cavan.
His response noted that the Health Service Executive (HSE) National Environmental Health Service (NEHS) is responsible for enforcing the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts 2002–2024.
Section 28 of the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023 made it an offence, from 22 December 2023, to sell nicotine inhaling products to children.
The sale of tobacco products to children has, however, been prohibited since 1988.
It was further noted that if members of the public wish to make a complaint about a retailer selling tobacco or nicotine inhaling products to children, or about non-compliant products for sale, they can do so by contacting their local NEHS team.