Everywhere you go across the country, you will come across one if not more shops targeted to selling vapes and vape products. The main streets in towns and villages are inundated with these shops. As a result, other local businesses are being forced out, while these shops are selling products which can often be dangerous and more harmful than people realize…

As a result of this, Taoiseach Michael Martin wants to clamp down on the number of vape shops through planning laws, and has indicated strong support for a complete ban on vapes and nicotine pouches.

Is this the right approach to take to tackle this current epidemic, or is the issue overblown?

Joining Andrea to discuss is Town Planner Derek Whyte, Martin Gear, owner of Martin Gear Jewelers and listeners.