'Not Around Us' campaign launched for smoke free spaces for young people around Carlow
The campaign is across Carlow and Kilkenny and is hoping to smoke and vape free outdoor environments for the next generation
The Carlow-Kilkenny Not Around Us Campaign was formally launched by Deputy Jennifer Murnane O’Connor T.D., Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing & the National Drugs Strategy on Friday the 11th of April, 2025 in Carlow Town Hall.
This campaign is calling on young people and their supporting organisations to get involved in Healthy Carlow and Healthy Kilkenny’s initiative to shape healthier, smoke and vape free outdoor environments for the next generation.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Murnane O’Connor highlighted the key messages from the campaign saying, “The Not Around Us Campaign is a direct ask from young people to consider your activity in outdoor spaces, used by children and young people. It is about ensuring that children and young people can experience smoke and vape free spaces and environments. The goal of the campaign is to denormalise these habits around our youth.”
The campaign's striking visuals; branding, signage, consultation toolkits, and video were developed in collaboration with members of Carlow and Kilkenny's Comhairle na nÓg, supported by a campaign working group involving Carlow and Kilkenny County Councils, and Children and Young People's Services (CYPSC) in Tusla.
Cllr. Fergal Browne described the initiative as more than just a campaign, calling it: “An open invitation to establish smoke and vape-free zones throughout our communities and support the #NotAroundUs message with action”.
The campaign is being led by Carlow and Kilkenny Local Community Development Committees as part of the Healthy Ireland Fund, and is supported by Carlow County Council, Kilkenny County Council, the HSE, Carlow & Kilkenny Children and Young Person Services, and Comhairle na nÓg.
Cathaoirleach for Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Michael McCarthy, spoke on the importance of conversation and consultation, "A key part of this campaign is about talking—engaging in real discussions about smoking and vaping, learning the health risks, and listening to young people. Groups that sign the campaign pledge will receive a dedicated toolkit, including a display charter, window stickers, and outdoor signage for their premises."
The Chairperson of Carlow Healthy County Committee Lynda Stacey explained how the campaign is rooted, "We’re offering information and supports to quit—but at its core, this campaign is about respecting what young people are asking for: to protect the spaces where they train, gather, and play."
Anne Marie Shortall, Chief Officer of Kilkenny LCDC echoed these sentiments, "It is important that the environments in which we live, grow, work, and play in are protective of peoples health and wellbeing.”
Carlow and Kilkenny LCDCs are encouraging all organisations where children and young people are likely to gather to begin the conversation, sign up, and support this initiative. By committing and signing up, you become tobacco and vape-free ambassadors to the benefit of generations to come.