50 to 100 dumped 'fast gas' canisters collected by local authority each week

The discovery of dozens of used Nitrous Oxide Systems (NOS) cylinders found discarded in the Broomfield area near Collon has left residents concerned.

A number of used canisters of 'Fast Gas' were found by a walker at a location on the Hurcle Road known locally as Scanlon's Hole. But it was the discovery of over 70 of these containers hidden in bushes following investigation by the local authority that has caused greater alarm for people in the area.

The gas is primarily used in the catering industry and is not a controlled substance under the Drugs Act. While it is illegal to sell it to children, or to sell it for human consumption, it is easily obtained online. Gardai have been informed about the incident.

"This is a one of the favoured locations for this type of activity," said Broomfield and District Resident's Association member, Gerard Weldon.

"The Hurcle Road is a favoured walking road and is used on an on-going basis by locals and strangers alike for walking and exercising purposes. The Gardai have visited on a regular basis over the years, to put a halt to the activity and last weekend's episode was reported to the Gardai," he added

The paraphernalia found at Scanlon's Hole included used balloons and a number of used 'Fast Gas' canisters. There was also other light littering containing drink bottles and wrappers.

"On Monday morning, I found another dump of Fast Gas canisters down the road further in the direction of Doe Bridge, about half a mile from Old Mellifont Abbey as the crow flies," said Gerard.

"There were 65 canisters in this dump which seemed to been there for some time," he added, "The canisters were for the most part in strong shopping bags, while the rest just lay in the ditch. Thanks to the Meath County Council Litter Warden Alan Nolan for his swift action in removing the canisters from both locations, over 70 in total."

Alan Nolan says he and his team receive calls on a daily basis from members of the public who have found the dangerous cannisters.

"We are picking up anything from 50 to 100 cannisters a week county wide," he said.

"We find them everywhere in laybys, field gates, they actually even throw them out on the M3 motorway," added Alan.

The public are being urged not to handle the cannisters if they happen upon them.

"There have been incidents where children have presented to hospital with first degree burns and frost burns on their fingers and their lips from coming into contact with these cannisters," warns the local authority litter warden.

"We have to give them to an authorised contractor that is employed by Meath County Council to dispose of them."

In general waste terms Alan is also asking people not to use unauthorised waste collectors and to make sure that whoever they are giving their waste to has a valid collection permit.

"Otherwise it will end up in ditches on the side of the road, People can look up all verified waste collectors on www.nwpco.ie.