The Department of Health has denied suggestions that smoking will be banned in public parks and beaches.

It was reported in the Irish Independent on Friday that the move was being considered by the Government as part of its bid to make Ireland tobacco-free. The Tobacco Free Ireland annual report for 2021 was published earlier this week.

One recommendation in the report says that the Government should “promote tobacco-free environments and in particular parks and beaches in conjunction with the local authorities by voluntary measures or by the introduction of bye-laws”.