The Smoke-Free Play Initiative is being extended from community playgrounds to public and community leisure facilities in Shannon and Ennis, it has been announced today.The scheme, which promotes healthy, active, smoke-free lifestyles, is coordinated by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in partnership with Clare County Council, Clare Sports Partnership and participating community facility management committees.
The announcement marks the conclusion of National Recreation Week 2010 which featured a number of countywide events promoting the importance of recreation for young people.
Mayor of Clare Cllr Christy Curtin, congratulated everyone involved in extending the initiative from community playgrounds to public and community leisure facilities in Ennis and Shannon.
“I hope that such leadership within the leisure and sporting community will encourage all other facilities in the county to participate in this scheme. The importance of leading by example and the promotion of a healthy and balanced lifestyle for everyone throughout their entire lifetime cannot be understated and must be supported at all times”, he added.
Mary Halpin, General Manager Clare HSE noted: “The HSE is deeply concerned about the harmful effects of smoking and tobacco use on the population. Smoking remains a significant cause of illness and premature death in Ireland – killing more than 6,500 Irish people each year. The latest health research reports that smoking rates in Ireland are increasing again; one in three Irish people are now smokers. “
Geri Quinn, Clare Health Promotion Manager, said the health benefits in extending the smoke-free play initiative within Clare leisure and recreational facilities are immense.
Ms. Quinn continued: “The increased visibility of the smoke-free signage within the recreation and leisure facilities will raise public awareness of the detrimental health effects of tobacco use for smokers and those exposed to second hand smoke. The signage will also guide smokers towards the quit-smoking support services. Smoking cessation information (leaflets and posters) will also be available in all of the facilities.”
Mary Mc Mahon, smoking cessation specialist within Clare Health Promotion Service said she hoped the initiative would also encourage smokers to think again about quitting. “Smokers are welcome to make an appointment with the smoking cessation service on 065 6865841”, she commented.
Welcoming the extension of the initiative, John Sweeney, Co-ordinator of the Clare Sports Partnership commented: “Ultimately, the Clare Sports Partnership would like to see all recreation and physical activity areas smoke free over the next few years.”
The smoke-free playgrounds initiative was originally launched in Clare to coincide with World No Tobacco Day on the 31st May 2010.
For more on the newly extended Smoke-Free Play Initiative visit www.clarecoco.ie or www.hse.ie.
