Revellers who partied up a storm at a housing complex have been slammed by politicians after leaving the community distraught.
The rave at the Oliver Bond flats in south inner-city Dublin on Saturday night sparked fury.
Fine Gael TD for Dublin Mid-West Emer Higgins told the Irish Mirror the party showed “total disregard” for the community.
She said: “I’m not surprised that nitrous oxide canisters were found at the scene as they’re being misused widely.
“On top of the medical risks, laughing gas reduces inhibitions and that’s no laughing matter during Covid restrictions.
“Revenue has never seized this drug before 2020. But alarmingly, I obtained figures which show that Revenue has seized over 14,000 canisters this year.
“Nitrous oxide is freely available to purchase online from some Irish and foreign hosted websites at less than €2 per canister. The aftermath of the party in Oliver Bond shows that these are being bought in bulk and abused.
“Legislation must be introduced to limit the sale of nitrous oxide or laughing gas, a drug that is leading to paralysis and death, particularly among young people.”
Sinn Fein TD for Dublin South Central Aengus O Snodaigh criticised the Garda response.
He said gardai dispersed the crowd of youths after midnight despite having being called since 7pm.
Mr O Snodaigh added a Garda station at Kevin Street is less than 1km away from the complex “yet they couldn’t attend”.
