All public playgrounds and recreation areas for children will have to be "no smoking" in future if they want funding.
Minister for Children James Reilly sanctioned capital grants of between €10,000 and €15,000 from a €250,000 fund for new or upgraded children's play and recreation projects in 19 local authority areas.
However, he said all future applications for grants will have to provide a guarantee they will be smoke free.
Many local authorities have already taken a lead with the introduction of these smoking bans but it remains voluntary.
"The Government has made clear its intention to progress policies that reduce the prevalence of smoking amongst all ages," he said.
"I have made a particular point of stressing the need to stop children from ever starting to smoke in the first place and we pursue a policy of attempting to de-normalise smoking for young people.
Source: Eilish O'Regan, Irish Independent, 24/07/14
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