Fermanagh and Omagh District Council mark the 10th anniversary of the smoke free legislation

by Gráinne Connolly

This Sunday (30th April) marks the 10th anniversary since the smoke-free legislation was introduced in the Fermanagh and Omagh district (FODC). 

It was introduced in Northern Ireland to protect the public and workers from the serious effects of second hand smoke. 

The legislation makes it a criminal offence to smoke in enclosed and substantially enclosed workplaces and public places, public transport and in work vehicles used by more than one person. 

Over 2,300 deaths in Northern Ireland each year is caused by smoking. 

It's also the leading cause of preventable illness and premature deaths. 

Chairperson of the FODC, Mary Garrity joined representatives from local cancer charities to mark the 10 year anniversary.

(Back Row: Phil McGrenaghan, Cancer Connect NI and Ivan Gilmour, Care for Cancer, Omagh
Front Row: Martina Morris, Care for Cancer, Omagh; Councillor Mary Garrity, Chairperson, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council; Gerry McElwee, Cancer Focus NI; Michaela Forker, Tobacco Control Officer, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council)

Councillor Garrity said the link between smoking and cancer is well proven, therefore the council are doing their best to make the area a healthier place to live: 

"As well as having a statutory duty to enforce smoke free legislation within the council district, the council strives to create a healthier environment for everybody, to promote physical and mental well-being. 

This 10 year anniversary is a significant milestone in this work. The council's Tobacco Control Officers undertake an active advisory and enforcement programme with regards to smoke-free legislation which, I believe, is a key contributory factor to the high levels of compliance by members of the public and employers in recent years."

In addition the smoke-free legislation, a tobacco control legislation is also enforced regarding underage saled, display of tobacco and the retailers' tobacco register. 

To mark the anniversary and to raise awareness of smoking, the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh and Enniskillen Castle will be lit up red this Sunday.